Abstract: A method of optical fiber manufacture involves the writing of a grating on the fiber using a laser. A first laser beam is directed on a first locality of the fiber having a circumference. A second laser beam is then directed on a second locality circumferentially displaced from the first locality. The first laser beam may be the second laser beam. In this way, a grating is formed on the fiber. The fiber may have a core and a cladding layer. The fiber may also comprise two gratings to form an interferometer.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a glass base material, which is a base material of an optical fiber, comprising: a base rod, around and along which said glass base material is formed; a burner that hydrolyzes and accumulates a gas material, which is a base material of said glass base material, around and along said base rod; a first burner-moving-unit that moves said burner in a direction parallel with a longitudinal direction of said base rod; and a second burner-moving-unit that moves said first burner-moving-unit in a same moving direction of said first burner-moving-unit.

Abstract: A crochet hook assembly has first and second hook bodies, an elongate flexible center, and a swivel. The flexible center has a first end coupled to the first hook body and a second end coupled to the second hook body to form a double hook subassembly. The swivel is disposed in the subassembly so as to allow one portion thereof to rotate relative to another. Additional swivels disposed along the length of the subassembly may be provided.

Abstract: The invention describes a compound needle having a needle part (3) and a slide part (4) for knitting, warp knitting or hosiery machines. The needle part (3) has a needle shaft (3a) and a needle hook (3b), the needle shaft (3a) being provided with a slot-shaped recess (3f) and a guide channel. The slide part has a slide shaft (4a), which is insertable into the guide channel and is movable to and fro in the latter, and a slide hook (4b) which is open in the opposite direction to the needle hook (3b), said slide hook being insertable into the recess (3f) in order to take over a stitch (9) located on the needle shaft (3a).

Abstract: The invention provides a washing machine (10) having a front panel (11), a tube (14) for containing articles to be washed, a water inlet (16) for admitting water to the tub, a water outlet (26) for discharging water from the tub (14), a pump (50) for pumping water from the tub (14) to the water outlet (26) and a cointrap (60) located in the water outlet (26) between the tub (14) and the pump (50), characterised in that the cointrap (60) is positioned within the front panel (11) to allow the contents of the cointrap (60) to be viewed.

Abstract: A drum washing machine with a washing water circulation unit adapted to completely dissolve detergent supplied together with washing water and to enhance washing efficiency. During a washing operation, the washing water contained in a fixed drum is raised or drawn to a center portion of a rear panel of a rotatable drum by turning force of the rotatable drum and then sprayed into the rotatable drum through a nozzle. The circulated washing water accelerates the dissolution of the detergent, and the sprayed washing water directly impinges on laundry, thereby shortening the amount of time required to wet the laundry with the washing water. Therefore, the washing efficiency of the drum washing machine can be remarkably enhanced using only a small quantity of the washing water.

Abstract: A padlock including a lock body (1), a lock shackle (2) movable between locking and releasing positions, and, inside the lock body, bolt means (5) for securing and releasing the shackle (2) in its locking position, and a cylinder lock mechanism (3) for controlling the bolt means (5). The cylinder lock mechanism (3) is replaceably mounted in a separate casing-like fixing unit (6), which is detachably fixed to the lock body (1). The fixing unit (6) has inner guiding surfaces (6c), which correspond to the outer shape of the cylinder lock mechanism (3, 3′, 3″), to provide both radial and axial support for the cylinder lock mechanism (3, 3′, 3″).

Abstract: In a storage box for a disk, the lid and the base of the box are hinged along one side. A security bar holds the lid and base closed. The security bar has one surface with pairs of pins at intervals therealong. The lid and the base have respective pin receiving regions, such as openings, which receive the pins of each pair to hold the box closed. A latch on the security bar projects into an internal latching region in the box to prevent removal of the security bar. The latch is rotatable by an insertable key to a release condition to release the security bar for removal.

Abstract: A locking cover plate can be selectively locked in position on a stortz pipe end fitting or can be unlocked and removed for access to the open pipe end. The cover plate includes a sliding plate that is driven laterally outward into a deployed state by rotating a drive bolt. The drive bolt is coupled to the sliding plate through a torque limiting coupling that transfers the rotation of the drive bolt to translating movement of the latch bar with a cam plate. Movement of the sliding plate is indicated through a front of the cover plate such that the user can identify whether the cover plate is locked on a fitting or simply placed on the fitting without the lock engaged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locking an all-terrain vehicle against theft which involves turning the handlebars of an all-terrain vehicle to fully turn the steering wheels of the vehicle in a given direction; positioning an open end of a hardened steel sleeve over the end of the handlebar rotated in the forward direction of the vehicle; tautly stretching a hardened steel chain from the sleeve to wrap around a portion of a rack on the front of the vehicle; and locking the portion of the chain wrapped around the portion of the rack to the chain length extending between the end of the handlebar and the rack to hold the handlebar in its rotated position.

Abstract: A latch assembly having a latch housing and handle that are substantially or near flush with the surrounding outer surface of the door in which they are mounted when the latch assembly is in its closed position. The latch assembly utilizes a locking cylinder as a push-button mechanism in order to release at least a portion of the handle, which then pivots to an extended position where it can be grasped and turned by an operator. A spindle and latching pawl are slidably connected to the handle and bound by a camming surface in the latch housing so that the spindle and latching pawl moves both axially and rotationally at the same time so that, upon closing, the pawl will cinch down on the frame to create a tight closure between the door and frame.

Abstract: A lock bolt alignment adjusting structure of a cylindrical type lock includes a lock body, an outer rotation shaft, an inner rotation shaft, a driven member, and an adjusting ring. The lock body has two ends for passage and insertion of the outer rotation shaft and the inner rotation shaft, to drive the driven member mounted in the lock body. The driven member is externally connected with a lock bolt. The adjusting ring is mounted individually, and has an inner thread, a flange, and multiple teeth. The inner thread is screwed on the outer thread of a tube extended from the lock body. Thus, the teeth of the flange may be rotated to adjust a relative axial position between the adjusting ring and the lock bolt, so as to align with a lock bolt hole of a door plate.

Abstract: A remote control locking system for use in combination with a deadbolt lock and a doorknob lock mechanism in a conventional door locking device. The locking system includes a first gear assembly coupled to the deadbolt lock mechanism; and, a second gear assembly coupled to the doorknob lock mechanism. A receiver is coupled to a control unit, which is disposed for controlling the first gear assembly and the second gear assembly for enabling the lock mechanisms to lock or unlock. A remote control device including a transmitter is used for sending a signal to the receiver for activating the locking system. The locking system also includes a first motor disposed for driving the first gear assembly and operative in response to a first signal from the receiver; and, a second motor disposed for driving the second gear assembly and operative in response to a second signal from the receiver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for converting a bioorganic material such as sewage sludge into a wet, organically enriched inorganic fertilzer mix that permits drying and pelletizing into a compact particle fertilizer form. The process provides for effective odour control as well as disinfection of the bioorganic material, which are essentially required in accordance with United States Environmental Protection Agency regulations in relation to land applications of bioorganic materials. The drying and pelletizing process through heating of the fertlizer mix also serves to provide a sterilized particle fertilizer as required by the above regulations for particular applications. The process also provides for chemical reactions to occur that result in the formation of fire retardants which serve to avoid fire hazards that could otherwise be associated with the drying and pelletizing process.

Abstract: A presently-preferred die set for bending a workpiece having a marking at a predetermined location thereon comprises a male die having a substantially v-shaped end portion, a female die having a substantially v-shaped groove formed therein, and a sensor mounted on one of the male and female dies. The sensor is responsive to the marking when the marking is located at a predetermined position in relation to the sensor.

Abstract: A stretching machine (21) for the production of discontinuously stretched wire (31) comprises a rolltype straightening mill (22), a first roll-type advancing unit (23), a first clamping device (24), which is capable of being moved on a hydraulic linear booster (25), and a second clamping device (28), to which a cutting device (29) is attached. A pushed-in rolled wire (31) to be stretched is prestraightened by the roll-type straightening mill (22) and is advanced to the second clamping device (28) by the first rolltype advancing unit (23). Subsequently, the wire (31) is held by the two clamping devices (24 and 28), the first clamping device (24) being moved opposite to the push-in direction by the amount of a degree of stretching and correspondingly cold-forming the rolled wire. By means of the apparatus, a favourable yield-point ratio is achieved, the strain properties being maintained.

Abstract: A drive for use in the manufacture of cans comprises a hydraulically powered guide pod to which a can bodymaker is attached. The guide pod slides along a guide rod which is fixed in the bodymaker. Forward and rear hydraulic chambers are defined between the pod and the guide rod by means of bushings and a seal. Passage of fluid through ports to and from the chambers causes the pod and bodymaker to move forwards and backwards. The length of the stroke can be set by the distance between the ports. A rotary valve is used to control the timing of the drive and control flow of hydraulic fluid, which is typically obtained from the bodymaker coolant supply.

Abstract: A jig is provided that includes a support portion configured to receive and vertically support a container thereon. The support portion has at least one retaining portion that is configured to non-rotationally lock with a retaining element of the container to substantially prevent relative rotation between the jig and container. Additionally, a method is provided for forming a container. The method includes forming a container body having a retaining element and providing a jig to support the container body thereon and having a retaining portion configured to non-rotationally lock with the retaining element. Additionally, the method includes positioning the container body relative to the jig so as to effect the non-rotational lock between the retaining element and retaining portion and positioning a lid on the container body. Furthermore, the method includes forming a seam between a periphery of the lid and the open end portion of the container body.

Abstract: A method is described for balancing the phase-locked loop (10) of an electronic analyzing device (8) which analyzes the output signal of a sensor device (3), a yaw rate sensor in particular using the Coriolis effect having an oscillating mass which undergoes a deflection (&Dgr;x) under the effect of an external yaw rate on the sensor device and the output signal representing a yaw rate signal, the electronic analyzing device (8) having in addition to the phase-locked loop (10), a control loop (20), a quadrature control loop in particular, and the control loop is provided with a controller (22) having an input and an output as well as with a modulator or mixer (23) having an input which has a first electrical connection with the output of the controller (22).

Abstract: A method for detecting air-contamination within a hydrodynamic bearing used with a disc drive comprises in one embodiment, a method to detect air-contamination with hydrodynamic fluid by measuring operating signals of the disc drive between different external air pressure conditions (including ambient) on the hydrodynamic bearing and comparing the operating signals to predetermined threshold values. In another aspect, the invention provides an air-contamination detecting apparatus adapted to detect air-contamination within the fluid of a hydrodynamic bearing. In another aspect, the invention provides a method to determine air-contamination within hydrodynamic bearings using the change in disc drive input/output signals responsive to air-pressure changes on the hydrodynamic bearings.

Abstract: Device for measuring the alcohol vapor concentration in a sample, wherein the device comprises an electrochemical sensor capable of monitoring alcohol through a diffusion current, means for determining the limiting diffusion current and means for generating an alcohol vapor concentration signal from the determined limiting diffusion current.

Abstract: A gas concentration measuring apparatus has a gas sensor consisting of pump, sensor, and monitor cells. The apparatus works to determine the value of voltage applied to the pump cell when a change in current produced by the monitor cell or the sensor cell changes upon a change in the voltage applied to the pump cell varies greatly and uses it to determine a control point to which the voltage applied to the pump cell is to be controlled. This keeps a gas concentration measuring accuracy free from, for example, aging of the sensor.

Abstract: A gas concentration measuring apparatus has a gas sensor consisting of pump, sensor, and monitor cells. The apparatus works to look up a predetermined voltage-to-current relation to determine an initial value to be applied to the pump cell as a function of a current output of the pump cell, apply the initial value of the voltage to the pump cell, and to sweep it temporarily. The apparatus works to correct the initial value of the voltage as a function of a current output of the monitor cell upon the sweep of the initial value of the voltage applied to the pump cell, thereby keeping a gas concentration measuring accuracy free from, for example, aging of the sensor.

Abstract: A non-resonance type knock sensor is provided which comprises a support member having a main body portion in the form of a hollow post and a radially outward flange portion at an axial end of the main body portion, the main body portion having an abutment at an outer circumferential periphery thereof, a piezoelectric element having a hole through which the main body portion extends and placed on the flange portion, a weight having a hole through which the main body portion extends and placed on the piezoelectric element, and an elastic device disposed between the abutment and the weight to produce an elastic force for pressing the weight and the piezoelectric element against the flange portion and thereby fixing the weight and the piezoelectric element to the support member.

Abstract: A method and device for performing fluid analysis by separating cells and/or particles from a fluid, such as a biological, vehicular or industrial fluid. The device is a micromachined filtering device comprising a substrate with through-thickness vias having approximately equal diameters that prevent passage through the substrate of a first material while permitting passage through the substrate of other materials having diametrical dimensions less than the diameter of the vias. Electrodes are located on a surface of the substrate between vias so that as the first material collects at the surface of the substrate, the electrodes become electrically connected to produce an output signal in some proportion to the amount of the first material collected. The device can incorporate multiple micromachined substrates, yielding an analysis system that produces an electrical output for each of a number of properties or parameters.

Abstract: A test for hydraulic leakage in hydraulic components uses a rate testing device having two circuits including a filling circuit that fast-fills the component with hydraulic fluid and a leakage circuit that measures the leakage rate of fluid flow through the component. The filling circuit is first connected to the component to fill the component. Once full, flow through the filling circuit is blocked and flow to the component is provided by the leakage circuit, which includes a leakage flow rate measuring device. The filling circuit provides a flow rate that is at least twice the flow rate that is provided by the leakage circuit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ultrasound sensing a compound's concentration in aqueous solution are provided. As a result of the ultrasound sensing, an accurate real time measurement of the concentration of the compound of interest in aqueous solution is obtained. In various non-limiting embodiments, the invention provides ultrasound sensing of methanol's concentration in aqueous solution in connection with a fuel circulation process for a direct methanol fuel cell. Since the speed of sound in a water-methanol system increases significantly with methanol content, techniques for measuring characteristic sound velocities are used to give sufficient resolution for a fuel circulation process.

Abstract: A vehicle ECU performs abnormality diagnoses including a deterioration diagnosis for a catalyst, a leakage diagnosis for an evaporative gas purge system, an abnormality diagnosis for an EGR system, and an abnormality diagnosis for a secondary air introducing system. During abnormality diagnoses, the ECU calculates the performance frequency for each diagnosis. When the performance frequency has reached the required level, the ECU performs the abnormality diagnosis under the normal abnormality diagnosing condition (performance condition, diagnosing method, and judging condition) in order to not adversely affect exhaust emissions, vehicle drivability, etc. If the performance frequency has not reached the required level, the ECU performs the abnormality diagnosis by changing the abnormality diagnosing condition to emphasize an increase of the performance frequency of the abnormality diagnosis, thereby increasing the performance frequency of the abnormality diagnosis.

Abstract: A detector is mounted on a wheel rim of an automotive vehicle. The provided device comprises a housing (10) receiving the detector (1), a traction member (11) having an axis (11a), said traction member being adapted to be mounted on the rim (3), to pull the housing toward this rim along its axis, the housing being articulated relative to this traction member, means (17) for blocking the traction member relative to the rim, once the housing has been drawn toward the rim, and a sealing joint (15) surrounding the traction member in the region in which it passes through the rim.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tire testing device, and in particular to a device for testing the tires of aircraft. The invention provides a tire testing device including a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor, allowing the calculation of the effective pressure at a reference temperature; the tires can therefore be tested hot or cold. The device can also include an oxygen sensor, so that the oxygen content of the tire can also be determined.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a tire pressure condition amount of a tired wheel mounted in a vehicle is provided with a wheel speed sensor (10) for detecting a vehicle wheel speed representing an angular speed of the tired wheel and for outputting a vehicle wheel speed signal in response thereto and an estimating unit (20) for estimating the tire pressure condition amount based upon the vehicle wheel speed signal outputted from the wheel speed sensor. The estimating unit includes a vehicle condition amount detecting device (40) for detecting a vehicle condition amount and for outputting a vehicle condition amount signal in response thereto. An estimation of the tire pressure condition amount by using the vehicle wheel speed signal is normalized based upon the vehicle condition amount signal outputted from the vehicle condition amount detecting device.

Abstract: A specific ID code of a transmitter 3 is registered in a receiver 4 in the following procedure. A commander 5, which is connected to the receiver 4 with a cable 6, is located close to the corresponding transmitter 3. An operation switch 7 of the commander 5 is then depressed. The commander 5 transmits an instruction signal to the transmitter 3 and the turned-on state of the operation switch 7 is conveyed to the receiver 4 via the cable 6. The transmitter 3 wirelessly transmits a response signal including the ID code in response to the instruction signal. On the other hand, upon receiving the response signal from the transmitter while the commander 5 is conveying the turned-on state of the operation switch 7, the receiver 4 stores the ID code in the received response signal. Therefore, the ID code of each transmitter is easily registered in the receiver 4.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating repeatable closure of a volume measurement chamber are provided. More particularly, in one embodiment of the present invention, a dual articulating hinge is used to affix a chamber door to a volume measurement chamber, providing repeatable closure of a chamber door. In another embodiment of the invention, a laterally compliant magnetic latch is used to fasten a chamber door to a volume measurement chamber. In a third embodiment, a chamber door lid is mounted to a hinge bar via a ball joint, allowing the chamber door lid to self center about the chamber opening.

Abstract: A volume measurement system uses volume element counting in determining the amount of a liquid such as fuel in an irregularly-shaped container such as a fuel tank which can have changing orientation. The container is conceptually divided up into a plurality of volume elements. An orientation sensor determines the orientation of the container or of the liquid surface, which is approximated as a plane. A computational or optical processor uses orientation data to project vectors representing the volume elements onto a direction normal to the liquid interface plane. These projected distances are then arithmetically or optically compared to the location of the liquid interface plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the instability index in a moving web is provided. The apparatus includes an air pulse for applying a pulse of fluid to the web to create a wave in the web. At least two laser displacement transducers are present. The laser displacement transducers measure the displacement of the web as the wave moves through the web. A computer is present which obtains signals from the at least two laser displacement transducers. The computer calculates the instability index in the web based on the speed of the wave in the web and the speed of the web.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the level of a fluid in a chamber is disclosed. The apparatus generally includes an indicator rod and a tubular member in fluid communication with the chamber. The indicator rod is a measuring rod operable to be immersed in the fluid in the chamber to indicate the level of fluid therein. The indicator rod also includes a locking mechanism to releasably engage the flange of the tube to restrain the movement of the indicator rod. The locking mechanism selectively engages a flange or the tube to lock the indicator rod to the tube. A seal between the indicator rod and the tube seals the chamber when the indicator is secured to the tube.

Abstract: A portable liquid level detector. The detector comprises a portable casing, a power supply unit disposed in the portable casing, a sensing device coupled to the power supply unit to sense a capacitance within a container and to output a enable signal when a difference in the capacitance is detected, a light emission device coupled to the sensing unit that illuminates after receiving the enable signal, and an alarm device coupled to the sensing unit that sounds after receiving the enable signal.

Abstract: A device for determining a level of objects in a hopper comprises a hopper for storing and dispensing objects, a pair of sensors positioned within the hopper for sensing one or more of the objects within the hopper, and a processor connected to the pair of sensors for receiving signals indicative of the pair of sensors sensing one or more of the objects, the processor for determining the level of objects within the hopper based upon tracking a trend in the signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat stress testing canisters having bodies and valve assemblies, including a heating zone, such as an induction coil system for heating the canisters, and a conveying assembly for conveying the longitudinal axis of each canister in a generally vertical orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the heating zone, the canisters being positioned partially within the heating zone during the heat testing, such that, each canister's body is positioned substantially inside of the heating zone and each canister's valve assembly is positioned substantially or completely outside of the heating zone.

Abstract: An acceleration-detecting type gyro apparatus of an electrostatic supporting type, in which displacements of a gyro rotor are actively made zero is proposed. The acceleration-detecting type gyro apparatus includes: a gyro case; a gyro rotor which is supported within the gyro case by electrostatic supporting forces such that the gyro rotor is not in contact with the gyro case; electrostatic supporting electrodes for generating the electrostatic supporting forces; a rotor drive system for rotating the gyro rotor around the spin axis at high speed; a displacement-detection system for detecting displacements of the gyro rotor; and a restraining system having a feedback loop for correcting control voltages applied to the electrostatic supporting electrodes so that displacements of the gyro rotor become zero, the gyro rotor is annular-shaped, and the electrostatic supporting electrodes are disposed in a manner of surrounding the gyro rotor.

Abstract: The acceleration recorder provides a three dimensional mechanical record of the acceleration sustained in a collision or impact. The recorder converts impact into a rotational movement of an internal weight about three orthoganl axes. Mechanical indicators remain at the limits of the weight rotations.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for determining reactor continuity of a polymerization reactor by non-linear dynamics. Specifically, the invention relates to a method of analyzing system variables to indicate gas phase reactor continuity in real-time and controlling the reactor continuity to maintain operability.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic transceiver, an inner housing has a bottom portion, a first tubular side wall extending from one end surface of the bottom portion and a first flange portion formed on an outer peripheral portion of the first tubular side wall. The bottom portion and first tubular side wall provide a tubular cavity formed therebetween, and the piezoelectric member is mounted on the one end surface of the bottom portion in the tubular cavity. An outer housing has a second tubular side wall coaxially arranged around the outer peripheral portion of the first tubular side wall with a predetermined gap therebetween. The second tubular side wall is provided with one end portion which is opposite to one end surface of the first flange portion and contacted thereto. A first absorption member is inserted in the gap between the first tubular side wall and the second tubular side wall.

Abstract: A pressure transducer has an output characterized by two or more slopes. A pressure transducer generates an first output signal that may be linearly proportional to the sensed pressure. The pressure transducer includes an electrical circuit that shapes the first output signal to produce a shaped output signal that according to a first function of the first output signal when the first output signal is less than the first value and according to a second function of the first output signal when the first output signal is greater than a second value. Preferably, the shaped output signal is a dual slope signal such that the shaped output signal has a first linear portion characterized by a first slope and a second linear portion characterized by a second slope. The two linear portions of the shaped output signal may intersect at a knee point which corresponds to a pressure between two preferred desired pressure ranges.

Abstract: A force measuring device and method for determining a force required to move a cart. The force measuring device includes a force generating device, a load member, a load cell, and a controller. The force generating device is connected to the load member and moves the load member toward or away from the cart so as to apply pushing or pulling forces to the cart. The load cell is disposed between the load member and the cart, and transmits sensed force data to the controller. During a test, the controller collects the force data from the load cell. By testing carts of various configurations under all expected loading conditions, the performance of each cart configuration can be experimentally determined. The performance data is assembled in a database to permit a user to identify an optimum cart for an intended application.

Abstract: Method and device for determining the tension or the tensile stress in a metal strip between two roll stands, between a roll stand and a coiler, in a breakdown stand or in front of or behind a deflection roll, the excursion of the metal strip being measured, and the natural frequency of the metal strip being determined on the basis of the excursion of the metal strip.

Abstract: A tag flow measurement system wherein a first and a second measurement path are provided across a flowing fluid, and a receiver in each path receives signals modulated by scatterers in the fluid. The direction of signal propagation in one path faces in an opposite sense to, e.g., is anti-parallel to, the direction of propagation in the other path, and the two receiver outputs are correlated to determine a time interval representative of flow velocity. In one embodiment each path is defined by a transmitter on one side of the conduit and a receiver on the other side of the conduit, and the positions or orientations of transmitter and receiver are reversed in the second pair. Thus, the first transmitter may lie on the same side of the conduit as the first receiver. Diametral or chordal paths may be used. A prototype clamp-on system detects flowing air at atmospheric pressure in a schedule 40 one inch steel pipe over an extended range, at flow rates as low as several meters per second.

Abstract: A method of retrieving a liquid sample comprises providing a portable lysimeter including a semi-permeable membrane and a chamber in fluid communication with the semi-permeable membrane; making a hole at a site from which a liquid sample is desired; evacuating the chamber by applying a vacuum to the chamber; lowering the portable lysimeter into the hole; obtaining a sample in the chamber; and retrieving the lysimeter from the bore; wherein it is not necessary to backfill the bore. A portable lysimeter includes a semi-permeable member and a chamber in fluid communication with the semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a system of fabricating a barrier wall between the testing and tester volumes of an environmental test chamber. This aspect may use a plurality of pallets adapted to receive a device under test and a testing apparatus, a framework adapted to receive a plurality of pallets, and a plurality of insulation bricks associated with the plurality of pallets. The insulation bricks may be adapted such that they can cooperate to form an insulating barrier between the device under test and the testing apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for the monitoring of the fluid environment in a pipeline (14) is described comprising a pigging vehicle (1), within which are contained sensing means (5, 6 and 7) and a data logging device (3). The dimensions of the pigging vehicle (1) are such that its movement is not forced in a conventional manner along the pipeline (14), but instead the pigging vehicle (1) simply travels along under the influence of the production fluid (100). The pigging vehicle (1) further comprises a weight changing mechanism (9) that moves between a first and second condition. After a predetermined time, or after travelling a predetermined distance, the weight changing mechanism (9) may be activated so as to adjust the floatability of the device. By employing this monitoring apparatus advanced warnings of areas of a pipeline that are vulnerable to corrosion can be detected along with areas which have already degraded due to corrosion.