Abstract: Flush mounting of a sensor on a surface is provided by first forming a recessed area on the surface. Next an adhesive bonding mixture is introduced into the recessed area. The adhesive bonding mixture is chosen to provide thermal expansion matching with the surface surrounding the recessed area. A strip of high performance polymeric tape is provided, with the sensor attached to the underside thereof, and the tape is positioned over the recessed area so that it acts as a carrier of the sensor. A shim having a flexibility so that it will conform to the surface surrounding the recessed area is placed over the tape, and a vacuum pad is placed over the shim. The area above the surface is then evacuated while holding the sensor flush with the surface during curing of the adhesive bonding mixture. After such curing, the pad, shim, and tape are removed from the sensor, electrical connections for the sensor are provided, after which the remaining space in the recessed area is filled with a polymeric foam.

Abstract: A probe for measuring circumferential pressures inside a body cavity. In the preferred embodiment, a urodynamic pressure measurement probe for evaluating human urinary sphincter function is disclosed. Along the length of the probe are disposed a multiplicity of deformable wall sensors (15) which typically comprise support tube sections (55) with flexible side wall areas (57, 16). These are arranged along the length of the probe in two areas, one just proximal to the tip (13) for the sensing of fluid pressure inside the bladder, and five in a sensing section (14) which is positioned within the urethra at the point at which the urinary sphincter constricts to control the flow of urine. The remainder of the length of the probe comprises multiple rigid support tube sections (10) interspersed with flexible support tube sections in the form of bellows (58) to provide flexibility.

Abstract: A crossflow vorticity sensor is provided for the detection of crossflow vorticity characteristics. The crossflow vorticity sensor is comprised of crossflow sensors (10) which are non-invasively adhered to swept wing laminar surface (12) either singularly, in multi-element strips (11), in polar patterns (40), or orthogonal patterns (41). These crossflow sensors (10) are comprised of hot-film sensor elements (18) which operate as a constant temperature anemometer circuit to detect heat transfer rate changes. Accordingly, crossflow vorticity characteristics are determined via cross-correlation. In addition, the crossflow sensors (10) have a thickness which does not exceed a maximum value h in order to avoid contamination of downstream crossflow sensors (10).

Abstract: The location method uses relatively low frequency electromagnetic fields, e.g., 1-1000 Hz, for determining the relative position and/or orientation of a transmitting magnetic dipole antenna by using a vector field receiver. The transmitting antenna for subterranean location, is preferably a single axis, elongated solenoid with a ferromagnetic core. The receiving sensor may be a precise three-axis magnetic field detector of either a magnetometer or search coil type. Measurements are made for one or more positions of either the transmitter or receiver, or with one or more transmitters or receivers. The relative location of the transmitter and the receiver is calculated with respect to some known survey station by a method of successive approximations. The operating frequency is chosen to minimize field distortion from common steel structures, such as pipe, casing or railroad tracks, and to minimize field scattering such as from conducting inhomogeneities in the earth.

Abstract: A method for calibrating transducer type strain gages 10 is disclosed which utilizes a temporary bonding system for accurately predetermining the individual apparent strain curve characteristics of the gages 10 and subsequently employs a computer to match the apparent strain curves of the individual gages 10 to determine which gages 10 should be used together. The temporary bonding system requires a test block 25 on which the gages 10 are temporarily bonded, several thermocouples 15 for monitoring temperature and a data acquisition system for recording apparent strain data. Initially, a group of strain gages 10 are attached to the test block 25 using a bonding agent that disintegrates at high temperatures. The gages 10 are then wired to an appropriate data acquisition system and data collected throughout a predetermined temperature excursion. Once the data is obtained, the test block 25 is heated until the bonding agent disintegrates, freeing the gages 10 from the test block 25.