Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for controlling the temperature of a process fluid. An exemplary apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a process fluid tank, a cryogenic fluid tank, and a plurality of heat transfer plates for transferring heat from a process fluid in the process fluid tank to a cryogenic fluid in the cryogenic fluid tank. Heating devices can be used to heat a portion of one or more of the heat transfer plates to regulate the transfer of heat from a process fluid in the process fluid tank to a cryogenic fluid in the cryogenic fluid tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for indicating or gauging the position of one or more holes in a workpiece. In one aspect of the present invention reusable devices that can be removably engaged with a bore or tapped hole in a workpiece for accurately indicating the center axis of the bore or tapped hole are provided. An exemplary device in accordance with the present invention includes an expandable shank, indicating surface, and driving head. The driving head can be used to install the device into a hole in a workpiece. The expandable shank can be expanded to positively engage the device with the hole in the workpiece and the indicating surface can be referenced, with a probe, to determine the center axis of the hole in the workpiece.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing blow-by of liquefied gases is disclosed, which senses the occurrence of blow-by and shuts off the source of the liquefied gas. As one example, a system for preventing blow-by of LN2 is disclosed, which includes a temperature sensor located near an exhaust line of a heat exchanger, a shutoff valve located in an inlet line, and a controller coupled to the temperature sensor and the shutoff valve. The sensor measures the temperature of the exhaust, and provides a signal to the controller that indicates if the temperature of the exhaust approaches the temperature of LN2. If the exhaust temperature approaches the temperature of LN2, the controller sends a signal to the shutoff valve, which causes the valve to close and stops the flow of LN2 to the heat exchanger involved. The controller can also send an alarm signal to a display, which indicates to a user that the blow-by is occurring. If the exhaust temperature increases significantly above the temperature of LN2 (e.g.

Abstract: A system for preventing the formation of ice about a port to a contained cooling area. The system includes a support tube that is adapted to pass through the port in a wall that forms part of the cooling area. The support tube is further adapted to provide a passage into the cooling area for a conduit. The support tube is still further adapted to contain dry nitrogen to prevent the formation of ice around the port.

Abstract: A LN2 maintenance system is provided. The maintenance system includes an input sensor and a solenoid. The input sensor is adapted to monitor the temperature of the medium in an input tube to a device using the LN2. The solenoid is adapted bleed off the medium based on the monitored temperatures.

Abstract: A method for filling a pressurized container is provided. The method involves automatically adjusting a shutoff valve between a supply of a pressurized medium and the pressurized container based on a weight of the pressurized medium contained in the pressurized container.

Abstract: A location and ranging system for divers is disclosed, which indicates to a diver the position of, and range to, a boat (or other platform) with respect to the diver's current location. For example, a location and ranging system for divers is disclosed, which includes a transmitter, a receiver module, a display module, and a depth sensor integrated with the receiver module or display module. A diver can attach the display module to a convenient part of the body (e.g., the wrist), or a clipboard or buoyancy compensator. The transmitter is located at the diver's boat, and emits an encoded signal at a frequency suitable for transmission through water. The receiver module is carried by the diver (e.g., attached to the diver's SCUBA gear) and includes three receivers that independently receive the encoded signal from the transmitter. Logic circuitry in the receiver module triangulates the three received signals and derives the transmitter's direction.

Abstract: An exhaust system for relatively cooled gases. The exhaust system includes an exhaust pipe and a heater. The exhaust pipe is adapted to contain a flow of cold exhaust gas and the heater is adapted to heat the flow of cold exhaust gas.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having both heating and cooling functions includes a first container, a second container and at least one heater. The first container is adapted to hold a first fluid. The second container is adapted to hold a second fluid. Moreover, the second container is thermally coupled to the first container such that thermal energy transfer between the first and second container occurs. The at least one heater is embedded with the first and second container.

Abstract: A GN2 exhaust muffler. The GN2 exhaust muffler includes a first pipe and a second pipe. The first pipe has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first pipe is capped. The first pipe also includes a plurality of apertures that are positioned near the capped first end. The second end of the first pipe is adapted to receive a flow of GN2 exhaust. The second pipe encases a portion of the first pipe such that the capped end and the plurality of apertures are housed in the second pipe. Moreover, the second pipe has an exhaust outlet adapted to output the GN2 exhaust.

Abstract: A heat exchanger that includes a first tube and a second tube. The first tube has at least one coil and a first diameter. The second tube also has at least one coil and a second diameter. The at least one coil of the first tube is positioned next to the at least one coil of the second tube such that thermal energy is exchanged between the at least one first and the at least one second coil.

Abstract: An improved system and method for automatically indicating the validity of calibration certifications is disclosed. For one example, a self-terminating calibration certification system is disclosed as a label with a first layer including a thermally-activated material with a bar code printed on one side, a heater element on the second side of the first layer, and a second layer of material affixed to the second side. A processing unit, a power unit, and a transmitter/receiver unit are affixed to one side of the second layer, and an adhesive material is affixed to the second side of the second layer. Thus, the label can be affixed semi-permanently to the measurement instrument or item of test equipment involved. When the measurement instrument or item of test equipment is calibrated, the processing unit starts an internal clock that counts down (or up) to the calibration certification due date.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for controlling the temperature of a process fluid. An exemplary apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a process fluid tank, a cryogenic fluid tank, and a plurality of heat transfer plates for transferring heat from a process fluid in the process fluid tank to a cryogenic fluid in the cryogenic fluid tank. Heating devices can be used to heat a portion of one or more of the heat transfer plates to regulate the transfer of heat from a process fluid in the process fluid tank to a cryogenic fluid in the cryogenic fluid tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for indicating or gauging the position of one or more holes in a workpiece. In one aspect of the present invention reusable devices that can be removably engaged with a bore or tapped hole in a workpiece for accurately indicating the center axis of the bore or tapped hole are provided. An exemplary device in accordance with the present invention includes an expandable shank, indicating surface, and driving head. The driving head can be used to install the device into a hole in a workpiece. The expandable shank can be expanded to positively engage the device with the hole in the workpiece and the indicating surface can be referenced, with a probe, to determine the center axis of the hole in the workpiece.