Abstract: Malfunction or failure of mechanical, electrical and electro-mechanical equipment, for example equipment used in manufacturing operations, is often preceded by an increase in the operating temperature of at least some portion of the equipment. Some pre-determined temperature, greater than the highest normal operating temperature of the equipment, is presumed or known to be indicative of impending equipment failure if no remedial action is taken. A resettable, temperature-sensitive device, containing a shape memory alloy actuator, pre-selected to operate at the pre-determined temperature, is disclosed. The device is placed in thermal contact with the equipment. If the equipment achieves the pre-determined temperature, the shape memory alloy actuator causes the device to display a flag or provide some other passive visual indication. Alternatively, or additionally, the actuator may trigger an electrically-powered alert including visual or audible alerts or a wireless communication.

Abstract: Malfunction or failure of mechanical, electrical and electro-mechanical equipment, for example equipment used in manufacturing operations, is often preceded by an increase in the operating temperature of at least some portion of the equipment. Some pre-determined temperature, greater than the highest normal operating temperature of the equipment, is presumed or known to be indicative of impending equipment failure if no remedial action is taken. A resettable, temperature-sensitive device, containing a shape memory alloy actuator, pre-selected to operate at the pre-determined temperature, is disclosed. The device is placed in thermal contact with the equipment. If the equipment achieves the pre-determined temperature, the shape memory alloy actuator causes the device to display a flag or provide some other passive visual indication. Alternatively, or additionally, the actuator may trigger an electrically-powered alert including visual or audible alerts or a wireless communication.

Abstract: A system (20) adapted for securing a hollow workpiece (22) in a fixed position, for cutting at least one portion of the workpiece (22) to produce a free body scrap (24), and for collecting and conveying the scrap (24) to a predetermined destination away from the interior space defined by the workpiece (22), wherein said system (20) includes a cutting device (26), a base plate (36), and at least one clamp (30), a collecting and conveying conduit (32) having a tube (42), ejector (44), and biasing mechanism (48) for biasing the tube (42) towards a first inlet position, and a bin (34) for receiving the scrap (24), and more preferably also includes an air pressure device (38) for directing the scrap (24) towards the conduit (32).

Abstract: A system (20) adapted for securing a hollow workpiece (22) in a fixed position, for cutting at least one portion of the workpiece (22) to produce a free body scrap (24), and for collecting and conveying the scrap (24) to a predetermined destination away from the interior space defined by the workpiece (22), wherein said system (20) includes a cutting device (26), a base plate (36), and at least one clamp (30), a collecting and conveying conduit (32) having a tube (42), ejector (44), and biasing mechanism (48) for biasing the tube (42) towards a first inlet position, and a bin (34) for receiving the scrap (24), and more preferably also includes an air pressure device (38) for directing the scrap (24) towards the conduit (32).

Abstract: A test method and device is described for determining biguanides in aqueous fluids such as swimming pool water which involve contacting the fluid with a matrix incorporating a pH sensitive indicator material which exhibits the biguanide error effect. A buffer is advantageously used to maintain the test system within a defined constant pH range to eliminate the effect of pH changes on the test system.