Abstract: A propeller assembly, a so-called rotatable thruster, for propelling, manoeuvering, steering and/or positioning a watercraft, floating docks, pontoons and in particular offshore platforms, includes a propeller (1) having an embracing propeller shroud (2) and mounted on a propeller shaft journalled in a gear housing (3). The gear housing accommodates a bevel gearing through which the propeller shaft is connected to a drive shaft extending through a tubular support strut (4), which is connected at its lower end to the gear housing in order to support the same. The upper end of the support strut is arranged to be rotatably mounted in an opening in a bottom part of the hull of the watercraft, with the propeller shaft extending substantially horizontally, so that the drive shaft can be connected to drive machinery located within the hull and such that the assembly can be rotated about a rotational axis coinciding with the axis of the drive shaft, by means of rotational machinery located within the hull.

Abstract: An exhaust port equalizer device 30 for insertion into an exhaust port-passage 12 of the head of an internal combustion engine. The device is detachably clamped between the head and an exhaust header 24 in communication with the exhaust port passage 12. The device 30 comprises a plate-like body of substantially uniform thickness; it is a sheet metal stamping.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit system for use in hydraulically operated vehicles having a bidirectionally rotatable hydraulic motor with a brake unit, a directional control valve for controlling a pressurized fluid supply to the motor, bypass circuits connected between a fluid supply circuit and a drain circuit, a shadow valve provided in the bypass circuits, and an ON-OFF changeover valve provided in the bypass circuits for allowing the bypass circuits to connect with and disconnect from the shadow valve. The system further includes a cavitation preventing circuit device connected through check valves between the bypass circuits and the shadow valve so as to allow the bypass circuits to communicate with each other in co-operation with the shadow valve.

Abstract: An anti-plug control for a drive to prevent jamming of a driven working element in response to an overload wherein said drive includes a hydrostatic transmission having a variable displacement unit and a fixed displacement unit connected in closed circuit. A servo control cylinder is connected to a swash plate of the variable displacement unit for causing positioning thereof. A normally closed pressure-responsive valve monitors the pressure in the high pressure side of the closed circuit and is openable when the pressure reaches a predetermined value to deliver fluid from the closed circuit to the servo control cylinder and modify the displacement of the variable displacement unit to increase the speed of the working element to attempt clearing the overloaded condition of the working element.

Abstract: A control system for operating positive displacement hydraulic motors to minimize pressure peaks and stresses associated therewith upon starting the motor at full fluid flow includes a self-closing pilot operated valve which, upon initiation of fluid flow to the motor bypasses a majority of the flow to a return line circuit and progressively closes to force pressure fluid to accelerate the motor to a preselected operating speed. The self-closing valve includes a spool type closure member which is pilot actuated through a timing orifice to commence closing upon initiation of fluid flow therethrough from the pump discharge or supply line. The closure member is spring biased in the open position and automatically resets itself to the open position upon shutdown of the motor operating valve.

Abstract: A vibration absorber unit or units are mounted on the exterior housing of a hydraulic drive system of the type that is powered from a pressure wave generated, e.g., by a Stirling engine. The hydraulic drive system employs a piston which is hydraulically driven to oscillate in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the hydraulic drive system. The vibration absorbers each include a spring or other resilient member having one side affixed to the housing and another side to which an absorber mass is affixed. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of vibration absorbers is employed, each absorber being formed of a pair of leaf spring assemblies, between which the absorber mass is suspended.

Abstract: In a master cylinder of the quick-fill type, communication between the quick-fill chamber (8) and the reservoir (13) is controlled by a valve assembly comprising a pressure responsive valve which opens when the pressure in the quick-fill chamber (8) reaches a predetermined level, and a one-way valve (20, 22) which allows free flow of fluid from the reservoir to the quick-fill chamber. The valve member (20) and seat (15) of the pressure responsive valve have confronting surfaces which define between them, when the valve is closed, a restrictive passage for pressure equalization purposes, and any dirt becoming trapped between the surfaces is washed away by the fluid flow on opening of the valve.

Abstract: In order to accommodate all of the tolerances along the bore centerline plane of the reservoir mount for a master cylinder, the reservoir bayonets or projections extending into the boss bores of the master cylinder body are at a reduced diameter established by worst case tolerancing. This results in greater side-to-side clearance perpendicular to the bore center-line than is desired in many instances, giving a relatively loose reservoir fit. To reduce this side-to-side clearance, locally raised ribs or the like are added to the reservoir mount bayonets to better match the diameter in the machined body reservoir bosses provided by the boss reservoir mounting surfaces. The clearance is reduced by locally increasing the diameter of the reservoir bayonet mounts based on worst case tolerancing considering only one reservoir mounting member and its associated mounting boss independently of the other mounting member and its associated mounting boss.

Abstract: An engine energy recovery apparatus is described including an exhaust turbine and a generator provided in the exhaust pipe of an engine. Temperature sensors are provided for sensing exhaust temperature at the inlet and outlet of the exhaust turbine, as well as a speed sensor for sensing the rotational speed of the exhaust turbine. The efficiency of the exhaust turbine is computed based on signals from these sensors, and the load on the generator is adjusted so that the exhaust turbine will run at maximum efficiency at all times.

Abstract: An engine is composed of an exhaust turbine rotatable by the exhaust energy of an exhaust gas discharged from the engine, a generator coupled to the exhaust turbine, and a motor drivable by the generator. The energy recovered from the exhaust gas by the exhaust turbine is fed back to an output shaft of the engine through the generator and the motor. The engine may have a second exhaust turbine located downstream of the first-mentioned exhaust turbine in an exhaust passage for driving an intake air compressor. The exhaust gas may be introduced directly into the second exhaust turbine by a bypass passage. In a generator device used with the engine, the generator includes a rotor shaft coupled coaxially with a turbine wheel shaft of the exhaust turbine. The turbine wheel, the wheel shaft, and the rotor shaft are constructed of ceramics preferably as an integral structure. The rotor shaft is rotatably supported by oil floating bearings.

Abstract: A controllable helium-II phase separator utilizes the cut-off action of the thermomechanical effect if superfluid helium-II flows through a capillary gap-shaped canal. For controlling the throughput, the gap width of the canal is varied by changing the distance between two opposite canal walls at least in the range between 0 and 15 .mu.m.

Abstract: The method of repetitively making discrete blocks of ice which is performed with apparatus having a plurality of adjacently disposed ice freezing pockets formed with a refrigeration evaporator as the base of each pocket of the pockets, horizontally extending and vertically spaced apart evaporator fins as the sides of the pockets, and horizontally pivotal vertical plates as the ends of the pockets. A refrigeration apparatus is provided to alternately freeze the refrigeration evaporator of the ice freezing pockets and very quickly and very briefly heat the refrigeration evaporator directly to loosen the ice blocks from the freezing pockets. Apparatus is provided to apply a force to the vertical plates until the immediate surfaces of the ice blocks are melted and loosened from the freezing pockets. The vertical plates thereon move the ice blocks within the freezing pockets, then are rapidly returned to an initial position which ejects the ice blocks completely from the freezing pockets.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for determining the appropriate time-to-initiate a defrost cycle in conjunction with a refrigeration circuit having a heat exchanger upon which frost may accumulate. The elapsed time period from a previous defrost cycle is used to adjust the time between defrost cycles such that the time period between defrost cycles is varied as a function of the length of the previous deforst cycle.

Abstract: Method and equipment for the utilization of the freezing heat contained in water as a source of heat of a heat pump. The water flow to be utilized as the source of heat is evaporated in one or several stages (4) at such a low pressure that, when the vapor that is formed binds its evaporation heat out of the water, part of the water freezes. The vapor formed is condensed in one or several heat exchangers functioning as the evaporator of the heat pump, whereat the vapor, on being condensed, delivers its heat to the heat transfer medium used in the heat pump.

Abstract: A heat pump method and system with a pair of solid adsorbent beds connected to a heat pump loop and a reversible heat transfer loop. The heat transfer loop has a heater connected between one end of the beds and a cooling heat exchange connects the other end of the beds so that a heat transfer fluid flowing around the heat transfer loop heats one bed and cools the other.

Abstract: A refrigeration system adapted particularly for a vehicle air conditioning system and including a capacity modulation mechanism. A portion of the liquid refrigerant at the outlet of the condenser is fed back to the suction chamber of the compressor through the orifice of a bypass valve. The valve is mounted on the compressor and is responsive to suction chamber pressure. As the evaporator temperature decreases, suction chamber pressure also decreases thereby opening the valve to meter a small amount of bypassed liquid refrigerant into the suction chamber of the compressor. A portion of the hot discharge gas may also be bypassed back into the suction chamber through the same valve that meters the bypassed liquid refrigerant.

Abstract: Effective active storage volume of an ice dispenser is increased by an upward and forward sloping bottom wall with a compound curve. A stainless steel helically bent auger rod has a conical shape and closely fits within a trough having a relatively large radius at a rear and a relatively small radius at a front. Larger radius curved lateral areas complete the bottom wall. Ice moves upward toward the front of the bin and then upward at an obtuse angle toward the top of the bin and then tumbles rearward and downward. The rotating auger prevents bridging and continually pushes more ice forward than is dispensed. A helical auger with solid flytes radially extends from a forward portion of the shaft to move ice cubes through the dispensing opening in the front wall at the front end of the trough.

Abstract: A fixed, mechanical condenser sub-cooler for a refrigeration system which increases the efficiency of the system is provided. The sub-cooler includes a shell defining a chamber having a spray bar mounted therein through which high pressure liquid refrigerant is passed such that its pressure is reduced so as to cool the liquid refrigerant. The sub-cooler is positioned in the high pressure liquid line prior to a metering device such as an expansion valve.

Abstract: A radiation shield assembly is provided for a cryostat having a helium vessel and which includes a penetration for cooling the helium vessel. The radiation shield assembly comprises a shield having means for conducting heat toward the cryostat penetration, means for providing an isothermal surface and means for reflecting radiation. The shield surrounds the helium vessel, and is spaced away from the helium vessel by spacer means comprising isolated packets of powder insulation in permeable packages.

Abstract: Jewelry designed to be worn on a perforated ear lobe, comprising two ornamental components linked by a hinge. These two components together form an earring. Fastening means are arranged in each component of the jewelry. The ear ornamentation is closed by rotating the two components about the hinge and engaging fastening means located at the opposite end of each component from the hinge. One fastening means comprises a fine gold alloy pin with a recess. Another fastening means comprises a seating into which the pin is pivoted, the recess engaging in a positive snap fit with a projection in the seating. This ear ornamentation is reversible due to the hidden design of the fastening means, is easy to handle and aesthetically pleasing.

Abstract: When both colored and white wash are to be laundered together, one has the problem that pigment particles are transported from the colored pieces to the white pieces and the white pieces are discolored. This problem will be eliminated in a novel counterflow cycling washing machine by providing additional components besides the control components for the counterflow which produce a reversal of the usual counterflow to concurrent flow when a colored piece of wash is in the machine or the washing zone. For concurrent flow operation switchover of the valves permits the head of the washing liquid in the upstream compartment of the washing zone to cause the flow through this zone to the downstream compartment where the concurrent flow liquid is discharged.

Abstract: An "arrest" handcuff has the usual ratchet and pawl mechanism for closing the wrist aperture. In order to deadlock the pawl a runner is shifted by means of a manual push-button so that a stump on the runner then overlies a nose portion of the pawl. To release the deadlocking and pivot the pawl clear of the ratchet the runner must be shifted in the reverse direction, which movement is normally blocked by a lever pack operating on a stump extending from the runner. A correct key, however, can lift the levers and turn the runner back so that a further stump carried by the runner engages a tail portion of the pawl to lift it from the rathet. If the option to deadlock the pawl is not taken up in any particular arrest situation the pawl still remains engaged with the ratchet under a spring bias and the correct key is still needed to perform a reverse movement of the runner to lift the pawl from the ratchet.

Abstract: In order to avoid separation of a padlock and chain which are utilized together, an assembly including a pair of brackets is employed. The brackets are each formed of bent sheet metal stock with upstanding ears and outwardly extending arms which over-lie one another. The two arms have opposed notches for receiving and holding a link of the chain when the brackets are secured together by a one-way screw extending through the overlapping portions of the brackets, between the bracket ears. The bracket ears have spaced, aligned holes for receiving the pivot shank of the shackle of a padlock.

Abstract: A device in which to place an article to be retrieved later by an intended recipient employs a container having a forward portion defining a first opening through which to insert an article, a rearward portion defining a second opening through which to retrieve the article, and a size and shape enabling the container to be mounted on a conventional door. The device includes a lockable cover member for limiting access through the first opening, and a bracket for supporting the container adjacent the door by closing the door with the bracket between the door and door frame. The bracket is attached to the container to support the container in a position enabling cover removal for access through the first opening while retaining the rearward portion closely adjacent the door to inhibit access through the second opening.

Abstract: A door lock structure for securement in a longitudinal cavity disposed in a door vertical free edge portion or folding door edge post, or the like. The door lock structure comprises an elongated locking rod supportingly guided in the longitudinal cavity. Each rod has a locking free end extendible above an open end of the bore above a horizontal edge of the door. The rod is normally biased in a retracted position in the cavity, with the rod locking free end disposed inwardly of the horizontal door edge. An external rod displacement element is secured to the rod for displacing the rod and the locking free end outwardly of the horizontal door edge to a locking position. A bolt engaging mechanism is disposed inwardly of the door edge adjacent the rod for engaging the rod when placed in its locking position. A key-operated cam is provided on an inside surface of the door vertical free edge portion for disengaging the rod engaging mechanism from engagement with the rod.

Abstract: A combined key and combination lock herein having a housing fixed to a door which mounts a linear key lock mechanism including spring biased pins or tumblers displaced and aligned by a coded key and a rotary combination lock mechanism including notched or keyed disks selectively aligned by rotation of a numerical dial via a disk transfer mechanism. Shaft and gear members intercouple the key lock mechanism with combination lock mechanism with combination lock mechanism for cooperatively operating a latch bolt to a lock position while a resilient bias device returns the latch bolt to an unlock position. A clutch mechanism selectively disengages the key lock mechanism from the combination lock mechanism so that the numerical dial on the inside of the door may be used solely for unlatching the bolt from its lock position. A releasable stop plunger is spring biased on the housing for disabling both the key lock mechanism and the combination lock mechanism to retain the bolt in its lock position.

Abstract: A press comprising a frame with an anvil support and a punch carrier, the latter being mounted on the frame so as to be movable between two ends of travel towards and away from the anvil support. A piston and cylinder arrangement is arranged to act on the punch carrier to urge the latter in a direction towards the anvil support. That one of the two ends of travel of the punch carrier which iscloser to the anvil support is defined by a part or parts of the press itself. A limit switch is operable by means of the motion of the punch carrier, or a part connected thereto, in the said direction when the remaining available travel is a distance which is less than the thickness of an operator's finger, to enable the piston and cylinder arrangement to act on the punch carrier with a working force in the said direction up to the end of its travel.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is provided for imparting a simple contour to an aircraft skin. A treatment chamber having a conveyor with a workpiece attached thereto and a shot peening blast unit positioned therein is provided. The workpiece is conveyed past the blast unit for peening treatment. A control system is provided for orienting the workpiece and blast unit so that the peening is done only in narrow spanwise strips and only on common chord percentage lines of the workpiece. This method and apparatus thereby creates chordwise simple curvature to the workpiece while minimizing compound curvature effects.

Abstract: A container guidance system for extrusion presses wherein heat-induced misalignment of the container and container holder from the press centerline axis is prevented or rendered negligible by the substantially diametric positioning of the container holder lugs and their press frame-associated guideways.

Abstract: A bench system for straightening automobile bodies includes a central-pedestal lift with a horizontal bed adapted to structurally interlock with a detachable straightening bench having its own casters. The bench and the floor proximate the lift are provided with a plurality of engagement devices which cooperate to secure the bench to the floor for high straightening force applications while the bench is also secured to the lift.

Abstract: A connector plate for rigidly securing two intersecting wood members of a wood structure together in abutting relation is formed of sheet steel or the like with a plurality of pairs of teeth struck therefrom and extending perpendicularly to the plane of the plate, each of the teeth having a sharpened outermost end formed by initially stamping a plurality of grooves in the sheet steel plate diagonally with respect to the areas from which the plurality of pairs of teeth are subsequently struck.

Abstract: A one-piece tri-pot universal joint housing is cold formed from a part having a shank at one end and an enlarged cylindrical head at the opposite end. The enlarged head is backward extruded to form a triangularly shaped cup which is then draw-ironed to provide a tri-lobal housing portion integrally attached to the shank.

Abstract: An elongated tube expander tool and method for its use for remotely expanding a tube end to provide a close fit in an existing tube, such as before welding the tube end to the existing tube. The expander tool comprises an elongated central shaft attached to a cylinder which is attached to a collet having multiple expandable fingers. The cylinder contains a slidable front piston connected to a mandrel located within the collet, so that when the piston is pressurized and moved forward the multiple fingers are expanded radially outwardly within the tube end. In use, the tool is inserted into a replacement tube until a front shoulder of the tool housing contacts the replacement tube end portion to be expanded. The front piston is then pressurized and the mandrel forced axially forward through the collet so as to expand the collet fingers, which action expands the tube end firmly against the existing tube suitable for a weld to be reliably made between the closely fitting tubes.

Abstract: Each tie-rod bar or beam from which tie-rod assemblies for large forging presses are assembled is constructed of a middle section made of a lower yield strength alloy steel to which end sections made of steel alloy having comparatively higher yield strengths are welded. A link pin hole is formed in each end section for receiving a link bolt intended for securing a plurality of the tie-rod bars to one another and/or to the frame of the forging press. The end section may be slightly wider to more easily withstand the larger stresses developed there during operations of the press. In one preferred adaptation, the material of the middle section is designed for a minimum of 45,000 psi and the end section for a minimum of 80,000 psi.

Abstract: A gravitometer prover for measuring the density of a fluid for proving the accuracy of a gravitometer including an inner chamber member formed having an inner chamber for receiving fluid therein and an outer shell mounted about the inner chamber member in sealable relation thereto forming a cavity between the outer surface of the inner chamber member and the inner surface of the outer shell and a vacuum source in communication with the cavity for selectively imposing a vacuum in the cavity. A siphon tube removes solid particles entrained in test fluid as the inner chamber is charged. An orifice aperture vents gas components from the inner chamber.

Abstract: The equipment in this invention provided with an internal signal checking means configured in a combined use with signal processing and display means commonly furnished to an ultrasound diagnostic equipment stores various internal signals and in said equipment by selectively inputting them through a multiplexer into a video memory also used for receive echo signal storage, and said internal signals stored are displayed on a screen of a display means of said equipment as an image or they are evaluated by a processor in said equipment to perform internal signal checking.

Abstract: A measuring turbine with a turbine rotor arranged in a flow channel of the measuring housing comprises a turbine rotor and an inductive pulse pickup, wherein between the wall of the housing of the flow channel and the circumference of the turbine rotor an annular gap with an irregular configuration is present. The housing wall opposite the turbine rotor of the flow channel has at least one bore hole with a variable effective depth. The inductive measuring sensor is arranged in the bore, whereby the depth of insertion may be adjusted.

Abstract: An accurate repeatable quantitative determination of the concentration of organic additives, additive breakdown products and organic contaminants in plating baths can be made using a novel high-pressure liquid chromatography apparatus in combination with size exclusion chromatography and total organic carbon analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus to automatically determine on-line, the shive content and shive size distribution of a wood pulp: The apparatus includes a line having an inlet and outlet, and a plug for closing the line. A motor and gear displaces the line with respect to the plug for defining a gap. A transducer measures the size of the gap. A sensor monitors impedances in the line caused by the accumulation of oversized shives at the gap. Responsive to the sensor, is a device for releasing the impedance by rapidly enlarging the gap, each release during a time period being registered by a counter. A controller correlates each of the counts with the corresponding size of gap to establish the content and size distribution of the shives.

Abstract: A fixture and method for dynamically facilitating the optimum placement of a skier on the surface of skis. The fixture includes a pivotally mounted balance plate upon which the skis are positioned and the skier moves the boots to a dynamically neutral balance location so that when the skier flexes the upward and downward deflections of the ski tips can be controlled with equal ease.

Abstract: There is provided a series of testing formulations or solutions which enable one to determine the critical surface tension or wettability of various solids, semi-solids and viscous liquids by application of the testing solutions to the surfaces of such materials or substrates. The solutions consist of a main solution which is 45 percent purified water and 55 percent of a dihydric alcohol such as ethylene glycol. This basic combination has a wetting tension of 56 dynes and has a completely neutral ph, and a neutral relative polarity. To vary surface tension, a non-ionic surfactant is added in ranges from about 1.5 percent to 0.001 percent by weight of the solution. In this manner the surface tension of each solution is varied in equal or predetermined increments. A dye is also employed to provide good contrast when the solution is placed on a test substrate. The percentage of dye can vary between 0.1 to 1 percent by weight depending upon the particular dye used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus by which the degree of wear and useful life limitations of a drill, end mill or other types of metal removal tools can be detected. The method is based on the short circuit current, open circuit voltage and/or power that is generated during metal removal by the utilization of an insulated rotary tool bit to which electrical contact is made by a non-rotating conductor and an insulated or non-insulated workpiece, with an external circuit connecting the tool and workpiece through a measuring device. The generated current, voltage or power shows a sharp increase or change in slope upon considerable tool wear and/or at the point of failure.

Abstract: A capacitive accelerometer system for detecting changes in G-forces and for producing a digital count value proportional to such changes. An oscillator-driven capacitive transducer of a unique design produces a voltage variation whose amplitude and frequency characteristics are a function of the direction and magnitude of the applied G-forces. The transducer itself comprises a pair of spaced-apart parallel plates disposed on opposite sides of a beam-supported movable plate which responds to changes in acceleration forces. The modulated signal is then demodulated and applied by a semiconductor switch actuated by a pulse from a microprocessor to a voltage-controlled current source. The current source varies the discharge rate of a precision capacitor.

Abstract: A crank angle sensor comprises a magnetic recording medium rotating synchronously with crankshaft on which data is magnetically recorded and a magnetic sensor spaced apart from the magnetic medium and detecting the signals to produce rotational angle information. The magnetic recording medium is divided into plural tracks including an angle track and a cylinder track. On the angle track, unitary magnetic poles, serving as the magnetically recorded data are provided with a pitch P corresponding to the angle to be detected. The cylinder track contains unitary magnetic poles arranged adjacent those with a angle track in the pitch P and at locations which are determined by the number of cylinders of the engine. The polarities of the unitary magnetic poles on the cylinder track are the in same arrangement as those of the unitary magnetic poles of the angle track.

Abstract: Method of effecting a spin-testing of a turbocharger rotor with its shaft portion fixed to a simulation attachment assembly consisting of components parts which include a thrust bearing, a spacer, a sleeve or compressor rotor, and a lock nut, wherein an integral composite member is formed from at least two parts of the component parts. The testing device includes the attachment assembly with the integral composite member, and a bearing housing for supporting the turbocharger rotor and the attachment assembly rotatably as a unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in measuring relative movement between two structures is described. A support (7) having bores for receiving input and output optical fibres (2, 10) is mounted on a plate (24), secured to one of the structures, at a predetermined position using alignment means (50). A filter (8) is fixed relative to the other structure so that light passing down the input fibre (2) passes through the filter (8) to the output fibre (10). The filter comprises a split field filter so that when light of two wavelengths is transmitted via the input fibre (2), the intensity of light at each wavelength transmitted through the filter (8) depends on the position of the filter relative to the support. An analogue output proportional to the displacement is provided using the transmitted intensities. The invention is particularly applicable to measuring displacement of a railway rail with respect to an underlying structure, and a method and installation for this are described.

Abstract: A tool which is designed primarily to be used by truckers, which takes the form of a housing, one end of which terminates in a graspable handle and the other end of which terminates in an operating head. Within the graspable handle there is located an air pressure gauge. Within the operating head, there is located a valve assembly. The valve assembly is to be connectable to a source of pressurized air which is to be conducted through an air passage assembly within the housing to an air pressure gauge. The air pressure operates an inflation valve of the air pressure gauge and visually displays a value corresponding to the amount of air pressure. The operating head includes a groove arrangement permitting mounting thereon of an accessory tool. The valve assembly is movable relative to the operating head.

Abstract: A drilling fluid density measurement system uses a continuously operating bubble measurement system for an oil or gas well. A microprocessor correlates the signal output from a differential pressure transmitter connected to a pair of self-cleaning pressure probes which are positioned in a circulating drilling fluid. By manipulating solenoid valves, the microprocessor controls the intermittent zeroing of the output signal from the differential pressure transmitter and controls a periodic level check to determine if the pressure probes are submerged in the drilling fluid.

Abstract: A method for testing a normally closed check valve connected in series with an isolation valve at the outlet of a passive injection system includes adjusting pressure upstream and downstream of the check and isolation valves to an upstream pressure higher than the downstream pressure and then opening and closing the isolation valve. In order to verify proper operation of the check valve, a preoperational test is performed to provide base line data and acceptance criteria. In a typical passive injection system having an accumulator tank, pressure and level changes of liquid in the accumulator tank are recorded during the opening and closing of the isolation valve. The recorded measurements of pressure and level during each test of the check valve are compared with the acceptance criteria to determine whether the check valve operates properly.

Abstract: An altimeter device employs a solid state pressure sensor having a strain-sensitive element directly in a silicon diaphragm, which is connected at one side to a closed vacuum chamber. The entire device is very compact and may be in the form of a wristwatch. A display indicates altitude or relative altitude above or below a reference point to the user, and electronics associated with the device provide for accumulation of vertical change in one direction, regardless of intervening changes in the opposite direction. In this way, a skier, hiker or biker, for example, may determine total vertical drop or vertical rise encountered in a selected period, without regard to offset from movements in the opposite direction. At the same time, the user may also determine his altitude at any given point, and in a preferred form the altimeter device includes a clock and a time-averaging feature, for calculating and displaying rate of climb or descent, both instantaneous and average over a selected interval.