Abstract: A system and method for controlling the transfer of commodities stored in a plurality of resource pools. The system comprises one or more customer stations connected via a network to a plurality of providers. A resource pool provider is associated with and controls each resource pool. Each resource pool provider includes provider controller software which maintains a record of commodities present in its associated resource pool. Requests for commodities such as video or audio segment, manufactured goods, raw material or data are transmitted to each of the resource pool providers and each resource pool provider determines if the commodities needed to fill that request are stored in its associated resource pool. If so, the provider generates a request reply acknowledging the resource request and offering to fill the request.

Abstract: A pressure transducer 10 is disclosed wherein a bellows 11 is expanded by an external pressure applied at pressure port 16. The force created by external pressure applied to bellows 11 is mechanically transferred to one end of a vibrating elastic member 14 by axial displacement of saddle 13. A change in external pressure is thereby read as a change in resonant frequency of elastic member 14.

Abstract: A vibrating strip transducer, wherein a vibrating strip 54 mounted between a fixed mount 52 and a moveable mount 51 and under load 53 directly responds to a change in force applied to the strip with a change in the magnitude of stress in the strip. The change in stress produces a corresponding change in the resonant frequency of vibrating strip 54 which is detected by coil assembly 55 to output a frequency based signal directly related to the force applied. Fluid level and buoyancy sensing embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method for the determination of settlement in foundation structures for buildings such as dams using a long length of tubing installed within the foundation structure in which mercury and water with a defined interface is forced along the tube from one end against a constant back pressure applied at the other end, the quantity of mercury displaced along the tube being measured together with the pressure applied to compute the position of the interface in the tube and the height thereof above a datum point. A construction of unit to provide the constant back pressure is also disclosed in the specification.