A portable suitcase tabletop system features a suitcase with a u-shaped telescopic handle located on a suitcase top surface. The telescopic handle slides out and away from the suitcase top surface when extended. The suitcase features a plurality of wheels located on a suitcase bottom surface. The system features a planar table pivotally located on a suitcase rear surface or a suitcase front surface. A U-shaped bar is slides out from the suitcase rear surface or the suitcase front surface next to a table bottom surface. The bar supports the table. The table and the bar are located in a zippered pouch. A telescopic front support slides out from a front support cavity located in the suitcase rear surface or the suitcase front surface close to the suitcase bottom surface.

The unique element of this tackle box can also be applied to a toolbox, sewing box, or any other type of utility box used for carrying various supplies. That unique element is the handle itself and the way that it automatically secures the top lid of the box when it's being carried and in the fact that the handle itself is attached to lower portion of the box and not attached to the lid, as is the case for most prior inventions that are similar. By attaching the handle to the lower portion of the box and not the lid, this invention solves the problem that occurs when the user commonly forgets to secure the lid (as required in prior related inventions with this design flaw) resulting in accidental spillage of its contents.

In one form, a security handbag is provided that includes an interior security panel assembly with a matrix of wires secured between a pair of material layers. The interior security panel assembly can be positioned intermediate the bag outside wall and a lining of the bag. A strap with security cable and a carbineer attachment device can be attached to the handbag. Methods for forming such security panel assemblies are also provided.

A cover-type containing structure for flexible enclosures primarily includes a front cover sheet, a rear cover sheet and a flexible enclosure. The front cover sheet includes a first joining edge and a cover piece, whereas the rear cover sheet includes a cover assembly corresponding to the cover piece. The flexible enclosure includes a second joining edge and by engaging the first joining edge with the second joining edge, the front cover sheet and the flexible enclosure are fixed. Besides, the containing structure further includes a holding portion. Under a contained state, the holding portion is used to contain smaller objectives; whereas, in an unfolded state, in addition to using the flexible enclosure to contain larger objectives, the holding portion can be also used to contain smaller objectives. The present invention can be also applied to a piece of clothing combined with a bag unit or other flexible enclosure.

A luggage assembly includes a first piece of luggage and a second piece of luggage. An attachment member is affixed to the second piece of luggage. The attachment member couples the second piece of luggage to the first piece of luggage so that the first and second pieces of luggage are self-stabilized while upright and inclined, and while in motion and while stationary.

A luggage table adapted to couple to a suitcase and provide a conveniently located, relatively stable platform on which to place personal effects, is described. The luggage table typically rests securely on top of the suitcase, with an aperture in the residing in the middle of the luggage table and a suitcase handle protruding therethrough. In some embodiments, the luggage table includes a surface having a relatively high coefficient of friction, in order to reduce the chances of an item stored thereupon from sliding. In some embodiments, the luggage table includes vessel holders adapted to receive beverage containers such as coffee cups, drinking glasses, or beverage bottles.

A suitcase comprising a body with an edge adapted to be coupled to a space of a connection means for a partition adapted to divide the internal space of the suitcase into a smaller space and a larger space, the connection comprising a raceway adapted to be slidingly coupled to a sliding element which is complementary to the raceway and fixed to a support element with which the partition is integrally associated, the connection includes an internal portion of the body made of soft material, at the extremity of which the raceway which is made of rigid material is fixed, and an external portion of the body made of soft material, the sliding element being made of rigid material fixed to the support element which is made of soft material.

A self-supporting, rigid, and collapsible reusable bag made from flexible material and having a bottom, two first sidewalls, two second sidewalls, a top opening, and rigid insert. A rigid full-wall board is embedded in each of the two first sidewalls. A rigid insert comprised of at least one pair of sidewalls and bottom with substantially similar dimensions to the second sidewalls and bottom of the bag are placed in the interior and in frictional contact with the second sidewalls and bottom of the bag. The rigid insert sidewalls are held in place with securing devices located on the interior upper corners of the sidewalls of the bag. The bag can be collapsed by moving the rigid insert away from the second sidewalls and bottom to allow the second sidewalls to fold either inward or outward. A full-wall pocket is provided for each first sidewall to receive the full-wall board.

A travel case for elongate items such as skis, golf clubs, snowboards, or the like comprises an elongate bag having a pair of hard sided end sections longitudinally spaced from a hard sided center section. Between each end section and the center section is a respective soft sided intermediate section. The hard sided end and center sections provide protection for the case contents at the vulnerable locations of those contents. The soft sided intermediate sections, made of collapsible and supple material, provide the advantage of reducing the weight of the overall case, and the suppleness permits the end sections to be folded in on the center section when the case is open along its length to educe the length and the required storage space for the case when not in use.

A tool storage and transport system including a tool bag body formed from a base, a first exterior wall perpendicular to the base, and a second exterior wall perpendicular to the base and opposite the first exterior wall; and a tool organizer slidably engagable with at least one of the first and second exterior walls. The tool organizer includes an organizer tray having a bottom wall, a plurality of sidewalls generally perpendicular to the bottom wall, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is slidably engagable with the exterior wall.

An accessory container for containing baby accessories and for changing a baby's diaper when in proximity to a door includes a container member having a bottom wall with rear, front, and side walls extending upwardly therefrom and defining an interior area. A divider panel is positioned in the interior area of the container member so as to divide the interior area into first and second chambers. The front wall is movable between a closed configuration preventing access to the second chamber and an open configuration allowing access to the second chamber. A length adjustable frame assembly is mounted in the second chamber and is selectively movable between a stowed configuration contained in the second chamber and a deployed configuration extending away from the second chamber. A covering is the frame assembly is configured to support a baby on the frame assembly.

The present invention provides a new and useful apparatus for charging battery powered electronic devices using a rolling means. The rolling means transfers mechanical energy from a plurality of wheels to a generator by way of a gear ratio. The generator in turn yields electrical energy that is later transformed via integrated circuitry into viable power for the purposes of charging an optional internal batter or that of an attached device. This apparatus does not limit the user's mobility and can be used in everyday settings. The apparatus can be an integral part of a piece of luggage or added to an existing hand cart. Additionally, the apparatus can have a connection for a DC input to charge the internal battery when the apparatus is not in motion.

Luggage includes an upper panel portion which has a receptacle. The receptacle enables a user to insert a portion of a tablet computer into the receptacle and the receptacle retains the tablet computer at a convenient angle for operation.

A garment bag for a collared shirt, the bag comprising a receptacle (52) arranged to receive a first portion of a shirt including the collar (26) and cover (40) arranged to receive the remainder of the said shirt and be rolled up around the receptacle, the receptacle being of greater rigidity than the cover. A method of folding a shirt having a back portion, two front portions, two sleeves and a collar is also disclosed, the method comprising the steps of folding the shirt centrally of the back and between the back and both front portions so that the back lies folded between the front portions, positioning one sleeve along each front portion, protecting the collar and rolling the remainder of the shirt around the protected collar. Preferably the shirt folding method and garment bag are used together.

A protective cover for handbags and like objects is provided, which comprises a portable and self-contained storage pouch. The protective cover can be attached to the exterior of a handbag by various mechanisms and can comprise one or more carrying straps. The protective cover can be made from a durable, water resistant and germ resistant material capable of preventing dirt, moisture and harsh chemicals from reaching the handbag. This protective cover can also prevent germ contamination of the handbag or other surfaces by removing it from the handbag and washing it after use.

An expandable item carrying device facilitates carrying items such as groceries and the like. The device includes a container having a bottom wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending upwardly from a perimeter edge of the bottom wall defining an interior space. A top edge of the perimeter wall defines an opening into the interior space. The perimeter wall has a pair of opposed ends sides and a pair of longitudinal sides extending between the opposed end sides. The longitudinal sides and the bottom wall are compactable along a longitudinal axis of the bottom wall. A primary handle comprises opposed ends coupled to a first one of the longitudinal sides of the perimeter wall.

The nurse's travel bag is a travel bag or suitcase for storing a plurality of medical devices and/or supplies that a nurse may need. The nurse's travel bag includes a suitcase with a plurality of compartments integrated inside of and along the exterior of the suitcase. Each storage compartment consists of a clear plastic storage compartment, an identifying label, and a zipper for opening and closing said compartment. The suitcase may include rollers and a telescoping handle, which enable rolling of said suitcase. The suitcase includes a collapsible cooler and sharps container that extend from opposing side surfaces, and enable storage therein.

A movable, e.g., wheeled, container, system, such as an article of luggage, cooler or other wheeled container, can include a container body with an openable lid. The system can include one or more wheels secured to the container body and a handle that extends from the container body. The system can include one or more strap mechanisms attached to the interior of the container body. Each strap mechanism can provide a retractable strap to extend from the container body. Each strap can be extended over an item to be secured to an exterior surface of the container body. An extended end of each strap can be secured to a fastening device located on an exterior surface of the container body. The wheels may be driven by motors that can be controlled by a user. A movable container system can be releasably attached to one or more other movable container systems.

An apparatus and method for forming a self-stabilized luggage assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes coupling a first piece of luggage in contact with a second piece of luggage using an adjustable stabilizer configured to couple a handle on the first piece of luggage to a handle on the second piece of luggage while wheels on the bottom of the first and second pieces of luggage remain on the ground when the first and second pieces of luggage are tilted, upright, moving, and stationary. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

A protective bag, such as for a handbag, has configurable dimensions so that the protective bag can be conformed to the shape and size of the handbag. The width, depth, height and silhouette of the protective bag can be separately configured. The protective bag may have a rim that can be independently configured. Accessory pockets and removable carriers such as a shoulder strap or a pair of handles may be part of the protective bag.

Inertial unit for the measurement of accelerations and/or rotations comprising four sensors, spread out on two intersecting axes, each sensor comprising two inertial masses, each inertial mass comprising a moveable excitation part and a moveable detection part, the moveable excitation parts of a sensor being separate from those of the other sensors, said unit also comprising means for exciting the excitation parts of the sensors and means for detecting the movement of the detection parts, the two inertial masses of each sensor) being mechanically coupled, the four sensors being coupled by elastically deformable mechanical coupling means and able to transmit the excitation vibrations from one axis to the other.

A gyro sensor according to the invention includes a first mass portion including a first detection portion, a second mass portion including a second detection portion, first drive portions vibrating the first mass portion in a direction of a first axis, and a force conversion portion fixed to an anchor portion. The first mass portion and the second mass portion are connected with the force conversion portion. The force conversion portion is displaced with the anchor portion as an axis, and vibrates the second mass portion in a direction of a second axis crossing the first axis in a plane view.

Disclosed herein is an inertial sensor control module. The inertial sensor control module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes: an inertial sensor including a driving mass, a driving unit driving the driving mass of the inertial sensor according to a control signal to the inertial sensor, a control unit connected to the driving unit and generating the control signal to transfer the generated control signal to the driving unit, and a sensing unit connected between the inertial sensor and the control unit and detecting information about whether the driving mass of the inertial sensor is in a stabilized state or information about an inertial force of the inertial sensor to transfer the detected information to the outside or the control unit.

An electronic device includes a base body, a functional element that is placed on the base body, and a lid body, formed from silicon, that is placed over the base body so as to cover the functional element. A hole portion and a sealing member that closes the hole portion are disposed in the lid body, in the hole portion, the area of a second opening disposed on a side opposite to a first opening is larger than the area of the first opening disposed on the base body side, and the ratio of the volume of the sealing member to the volume of the hole portion is equal to or higher than 35% and is equal to or lower than 87%.

Disclosed herein is an angular velocity sensor including: first and second mass bodies; a first frame provided at an outer side of the first and second mass bodies; a first flexible part connecting the first and second mass bodies to the first frame in a Y axis direction, respectively; a second flexible part connecting the first and second mass bodies to the first frame in an X axis direction, respectively; a second frame provided at an outer side of the first frame; a third flexible part connecting the first and second frames to each other in the X axis direction; and a fourth flexible part connecting the first and second frames to each other in the Y axis direction, wherein the first frame has a thickness in a Z axis direction thinner than that of the second frame.

Disclosed herein is a method of setting valid output sections of a 3-axis acceleration sensor mounted within a tire of a vehicle, including setting an output signal of the 3-axis acceleration sensor in the z-axis direction as a reference signal, setting a specific section of the output signal in the z-axis direction as a valid section where a part of the tire where the 3-axis acceleration sensor is mounted contacts a road surface, and setting sections of output signals of the 3-axis acceleration sensor in the x-axis and y-axis directions corresponding to the valid section in the z-axis direction as valid sections in the x-axis and y-axis directions. The method sets precise valid sections applied to detect information between the tire and a ground surface so as to minimize a component of a noise section by connecting output signals in the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis directions.

A micromechanical component is described having a substrate which has at least one stator electrode fixedly mounted with respect to the substrate, a movable mass having at least one actuator electrode fixedly mounted with respect to the movable mass, and at least one spring via which the movable mass is displaceable. The movable mass is structured from the substrate with the aid of at least one separating trench, at least one outer stator electrode spans at least one section of the at least one separating trench and/or of the movable mass, the at least one actuator electrode protrudes between the at least one outer stator electrode and the substrate, and at least one inner stator electrode protrudes between the at least one actuator electrode and the substrate. A related manufacturing method is also described for a micromechanical component.

The present invention is a method and apparatus for acoustically manipulating one or more particles.

An apparatus and a method for determining a damage state of a wheel bearing (12), in which a wheel (15) with a tire (9) arranged on a rim (8) in such a manner that the wheel can be rotated on an axle, in a motor vehicle, in particular during maintenance work on the motor vehicle. In order to avoid the wheel bearing (12) being accessed unnecessarily, a sensor unit (1) which communicates with an evaluation unit and is removably fastened radially outside a screw circle (11) of the rim (8) is provided for the purpose of determining the damage state.

A method and apparatus for identifying an inconsistency. A number of waves that propagate through a structure are generated. A response signal is generated in response to detecting at least a portion of the number of waves that propagate through the structure. A determination is made as to whether the response signal includes a reflected component. A presence of the inconsistency in the structure is indicated when the response signal includes the reflected component.

A method and apparatus for inspecting a composite structure. A response sound signal to a sound signal sent into the composite structure at a location on the composite structure is detected. An attenuation is identified in the response sound signal detected in response to the sound signal sent into the composite structure at the location on the composite structure. An indication of whether additional evaluation of the location is needed based on a comparison of the attenuation in the response sound signal to a baseline attenuation value for porosity for the location on the composite structure is generated.

A method for ultrasonically inspecting components with wavy or uneven surfaces. A multi-element array ultrasonic transducer is operated with a substantial fluid layer, such as water, between the array transducer and the component surface. This fluid layer may be maintained by immersing the component in liquid or by using a captive couplant column between the probe and the component surface. The component is scanned, measuring the two dimensional surface profile using either a mechanical stylus, laser, or ultrasonic technique. Once an accurate surface profile of the component's surface has been obtained, data processing parameters are calculated for processing the ultrasonic signals reflected from the interior of the component that eliminate beam distortion effects and reflector mis-location that would otherwise occur due to the uneven surfaces.

A testing method using a guided wave generates a guided wave to propagate through a subject as a testing target in a longitudinal direction of the subject, detects a reflected wave of the guided wave and examines the subject on the basis of the reflected wave. The testing method includes the steps of (A) obtaining data for defect amount estimation beforehand indicating a relationship between a defect amount of the subject and a magnitude of a reflected wave, (B) generating a guided wave so as to propagate through the subject, and detecting a reflected wave of the guided wave, and (C) estimating a defect amount of the subject on the basis of the data for defect amount estimation obtained at (A) and the magnitude of the guided wave detected at (B).

A system is provided for inspecting a workpiece that includes a workpiece defect and a workpiece surface. The system includes a laser pointer connected to an ultrasonic inspection system. The ultrasonic inspection system includes an ultrasonic transducer that directs sound waves to the workpiece defect, where the sound waves contact the workpiece surface at a workpiece surface location. The laser pointer directs a laser beam against the workpiece surface to visually annunciate the workpiece surface location.

The present invention employs a photoacoustic measuring apparatus including: a laser light source; a forming unit for forming a second light beam by dividing or deforming a laser light beam; an optical member for guiding the second light beam to the surface of a subject; a probe for obtaining a photoacoustic wave generated when the subject is irradiated with the second light beam; and a buffering member that contacts the surface of the subject and transmits light, wherein the optical member overlaps areas of the second light beam having a small light intensity on the surface of the subject, the probe and the optical member are positioned on an identical side of the buffering member relative to the subject, and the optical member refracts the second light beam such that the second light beam enters the subject through the buffering member while avoiding the probe.

One embodiment of the invention provides a system for identifying an anomalous movement of a reciprocating element in a reciprocating device, the system comprising: at least one sensing device for sensing a vibration signal of the reciprocating element; a processing apparatus for separating the vibration signal into a first component having a first frequency range and a second component having a second frequency range different than the first frequency range; and a device for at least one of analyzing or displaying at least one of the first or the second components of the vibration signal, wherein the vibration signal includes positional data of the reciprocating element along at least one axis of the reciprocating element.

A pressure transmitter has a pressure sensor, an isolator diaphragm, and a fill tube. Interior passages in the pressure sensor module body are filled with isolator fluid and provide fluid connections. The isolator fluid couples pressure from the first isolator diaphragm assembly to the pressure sensor. A first crimp portion of the fill tube radially narrows into a substantially solid circular cylindrical cross section to form a first primary seal that is resistant to high pressure cycling.

A method, apparatus and system for testing the self-sealing properties of a concrete sample. The method may include providing an apparatus for creating a consistent and reproducible crack in a concrete sample and creating a consistent and reproducible crack in the concrete sample with the apparatus. The method may further include providing a fluidic delivery system that provides a consistent flow of fluid for testing the self-sealing properties of the concrete sample and testing the self-sealing properties of the concrete sample with the system.

The invention relates to a method for determining the fatigue capital of a cable supporting a civil engineering structure, the method including: a measuring step (S1, S2) during which the normal tensile stress in the cable and the bending stress in the cable are measured in a synchronized manner so as to obtain the compound stress in the cable; a counting step (S3) during which a count of the number of stress cycles, depending on the amplitude of the stress, is carried out from the measured compound stresses; and a step (S4) of assessing the fatigue capital of the cable during which the fatigue capital of the cable is determined by comparing the count, carried out in the counting step, with a pre-set Wohler curve for the cable.

A compression fitting includes a housing, a compressible seal, a follower and a driving member. The housing includes an axial cavity having a lateral sidewall that includes an axial keyway therein. The cavity terminates at a first end portion thereof at a seat. The compressible seal may receive a signal transmitting lead therethrough, and is disposed within the cavity and seated on the seat. The follower is axially movable within the cavity for selective engagement with the seal for axially compressing the seal against the seat, the sidewall of the cavity and the signal transmitting lead. The follower includes an integral key that extends laterally outward therefrom and is received within the keyway, and an axial bore for accommodation therewithin of the lead. The driving member is rotatably mounted on the housing and engageable with the follower such that rotation of the driving member causes an axial translation thereof.

An integrated circuit includes a pulse generator to provide an excitation pulse to an output terminal and a comparator to receive a signal in response to the excitation pulse and for comparing the signal to a threshold to produce a comparator output signal corresponding to oscillations in the signal. The integrated circuit further includes a counter to count pulses in the comparator output signal and a discriminator circuit to compare a count value of the counter to a damping threshold and for providing an output signal having a first value when the count value is equal to or exceeds the damping threshold and otherwise having a second value.

Apparatus configured detect a physical quantity, for example a density, of a flowing fluid, the apparatus including: a sensor body (2) configured to extend into the flowing fluid, the sensor body comprising a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) of a fiber Bragg grating sensor (3, 7, FBG), for generating a detector signal relating to vibration of at least part (2B) of the sensor body (2); anda processing unit, configured to process the detector signal, and to determine the physical quantity based on detected vibration at a mechanical eigenfrequency of the flexible part (2B) of the sensor body (2).

A kiosk apparatus that may select for a person a recommended footcare product based on pressure measurements collected from pressures sensors or calculated biomechanical data estimates. Pressure measurements and calculated biomechanical data estimates may be used to determine if a foot is unshod on the pressure sensor and also group a person into a classified subgroup. The pressure measurement and calculated biomechanical data estimates may also be used to select a recommended footcare product.

Wireless strain and displacement sensors wirelessly monitor structural health and integrity, and are made by printing inductor-interdigital capacitor sensing circuits on a variety of substrates, including ceramic substrates, with thermally processable conductive inks. Sensors of the invention can be employed to detect strain and displacement of civil structures, such as bridges and buildings. The sensors include sensing elements that are mounted or printed on stiff, inflexible substrates, which prevent the sensing elements from bending, stretching, or otherwise warping when the sensor is strained. An interlayer between the sensing elements allows the sensing elements to move with respect to each other during application of strain. Thus, strain causes the sensing elements to move but not to deform, causing changes in sensor resonance that can be detected through wireless radio-frequency interrogation. Because the sensing elements do not change shape when under strain, the sensor can undergo millions of measurement cycles before breaking.

A force/moment sensor for measurement of three orthogonal forces and three orthogonal moments, comprises an inner holding element which is surrounded by an outer holding element. The two holding elements are connected to each other by deformation elements. For each deformation element, at least one deformation transducer is provided. The force/moment sensor is preferably monolithic, and the deformation transducers, formed as strain gauges, are preferably arranged in one plane or in two preferably parallel planes.

A torque sensor bearing arrangement for a shaft having first and second bearings, each with respective inner ring and outer rings with rolling elements therebetween. The bearings are located at first and second ends of the shaft. First and second sensing rings are connected to the outer rings of the bearings. First and second marking rings are connected to the inner rings, spaced apart from and aligned with the respective first and second sensing rings. The marking rings each have a wavy surface facing the respective sensing ring to form respective first and second sensors from the respective sensing ring—marking ring pairs. The sensors detect a rotational angle position of the shaft and provide a signal. A controller receives signals from the first and second sensors and calculates at least one of torque or an angular speed of the shaft based on signals from the first and second sensors.

A device and method for measuring the clamping force a machine tool exerts on a tool holder that includes a piston or cylinder body defining a bore that slidably receives a piston. A fluid filled pressure chamber is defined between the piston and the body and a pressure gauge carried by the piston communicates with the pressure chamber such that movement in the piston in at least one direction exerts compressive forces on the fluid in the pressure chamber which is communicated to the pressure gauge. A retention knob is coupled to the piston and is engageable by the machine tool such that the clamping force exerted by the machine tool is transmitted to the piston. Hex-shaped structure on the piston that is received by a complementally formed recess in the cylinder body inhibits relative rotation between the piston and the body and facilitates installation and removal of the retention knob. A pin forming part of the piston is engageable by a pin receiving recess in the piston body and ensures a predetermined orientation between a shank portion and the piston body, during assembly.

A support structure for a load measurement sensor has sufficient durability without adding a large load to a portion transmitting a load to the load measurement sensor. In a support structure for a load measurement sensor, including a sensor body detecting a load generated from a seat having a seat frame and an extension shaft portion extending from the sensor body, by way of attachment brackets in the state where the extension shaft portion follows the horizontal direction, the support structure includes a load input portion which comes into contact with the sensor body and inputs a load to the sensor body, the sensor body includes a load receiving surface which contacts the load input portion and receives the load, and the load input portion is formed to be movable in the axial direction of the extension shaft portion with respect to the load receiving surface.

Methods and devices for inline sampling of a bulk material, such as a powder, are provided. The material's bulk density can be determined from samples drawn using methods and devices described herein. One embodiment of a method of sampling a material allows the material to flow through a sampling compartment, closes off the flow of material below the sampling compartment, builds up a column of material through the sampling compartment, shifts the sampling compartment to remove a slice of material in the column, and places the slice of material into a sample container. A device for sampling a material is provided in another embodiment. The device includes an inlet, an outlet aligned with the inlet, and a sample collector. The sample collector can include at least one through hole and be configured to move such that the at least one through hole can be moved into and out of alignment with the inlet and the outlet.

A control system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a fuel system diagnostic module and a pump control module. The fuel system diagnostic module performs a diagnostic test on a fuel system when a vacuum pump is switched off to prevent flow through the vacuum pump and thereby seal a portion of the fuel system from an atmosphere. The vacuum pump includes a cam ring, a rotor that rotates within the cam ring, and vanes that slide into and out of slots in the rotor as the rotor rotates. The pump control module switches on the vacuum pump for a predetermined period to force the vanes out of the slots and into contact with the cam ring to seal the vacuum pump before switching off the vacuum pump for the fuel system diagnostic test.