Abstract: A method for examining a sample (50) including the steps of exciting a propagating mechanical deformation (2) in the sample (50) using a fluidic oscillator (10), and determining a characteristic of the mechanical deformation (2).

Abstract: A server includes a controller performs determining whether a first local area network and a second local area network match; determining, in a case where the first login request is received and in a case where the first registration request is received, whether the first function execution device satisfies the first registration condition; and registering by: controlling, in a case where the first local area network and the second local area network match and the first function execution device satisfies the first registration condition, to register the first identification information; wherein, in a case where the first local area network and the second local area network do not match, the first identification information is not registered; and wherein, in a case where the first function execution device does not satisfy the first registration condition, the first identification information is not registered.

Abstract: A servo control system includes a position command generator, a position detector for a feed axis, a positional deviation obtainer for calculating a positional deviation, a position control loop, a band limiting filter for attenuating a high frequency component of the positional deviation, a dynamic characteristic compensation element for advancing a phase, a learning controller including the band limiting filter and the dynamic characteristic compensation element, a sine wave sweep input unit for applying a sine wave sweep to the position control loop, a frequency characteristic calculator for estimating the gain and phase of position control loop input and output signals, and a learning control characteristic evaluation function calculator for calculating an evaluation function, which indicates a position control characteristic with the learning controller based on a frequency characteristic by actual measurement and a frequency characteristic of the learning controller.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring temperature in a gas turbine are disclosed. The method can include directing a first acoustic signal and a second acoustic signal towards a gas path in a turbine; receiving the first acoustic signal and the second acoustic signal at a downstream gas path location; combining the first acoustic signal and the second acoustic signal to create a combined acoustic signal, wherein the combined acoustic signal forms at least one of either a signal maxima or a signal minima; and based at least in part on the combined acoustic signal, determining a temperature of the gas path.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring temperature in a gas turbine are disclosed. The method can include directing a first acoustic signal towards a gas path in a turbine; directing a second acoustic signal towards the gas path in the turbine; receiving the first acoustic signal and the second acoustic signal at a downstream gas path location; combining the first acoustic signal and the second acoustic signal to create a combined acoustic signal, where a portion of the first acoustic signal cancels out a portion of the second acoustic signal; and determining a temperature of the gas path based at least in part on the combined acoustic signal.

Abstract: A noncontact support platform includes a plurality of pressure nozzles on an outer surface of a PV stage of the noncontact support platform. The pressure nozzles connected to a pressure source for creating an outflow of fluid through the pressure nozzles. A plurality of vacuum nozzles are interspersed with the pressure nozzles on the outer surface and are connected to a vacuum manifold via one or a plurality of hoses to create an inflow of the fluid through the vacuum nozzles. At least one flowmeter is configured to generate a signal that is indicative of a measured inflow via at least one hose of the hoses. A controller is configured to analyze the signal to determine whether the measured inflow is indicative of blockage of a vacuum nozzle and to generate a response when blockage is indicated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of inducing fluid flow in a passive capillarity filled microfluidic device involving the use of a dual flow control reagent system, wherein the first flow control reagent is a surfactant which reduces surface tension of an aqueous fluid sample and the second flow control reagent is a viscosity enhancer.

Abstract: A method of determining orientation parameters of a rigid body, including: associating at least two multi-axis accelerometers with the rigid body, wherein the body has a base end, a distal end, and a line of symmetry between the base end and the distal end. The two first multi-axis accelerometers are disposed at a first point along the line of symmetry between the base end and the distal end. Each first multi-axis accelerometer is disposed at equal distances from the line of symmetry. The line of symmetry and both first multi-axis accelerometers lie in a first plane. The method further includes: associating a gyroscope with the body at the first point, equally between both first multi-axis accelerometers; gathering measured data from the two first multi-axis accelerometers and the gyroscope; and applying analysis free of calculus to determine a first inclination angle, of the body from a stable orientation.

Abstract: A duct includes a suction port being connected to a first separate duct from a first direction, an exhaust port being connected to a second separate duct from the first direction, and a passage formed to extend from the suction port to the exhaust port. At least one of the suction port and the exhaust port includes a first opening portion that is opened to incline to the first direction and second opening portions at both ends of the first opening portion, the second opening portions that are opened in a transverse direction to the first direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drainage circuit (4) for a flow of a liquid (5), the circuit being fitted with a monitoring appliance (13) for monitoring an excess flow rate of the liquid (5). The monitoring appliance (13) comprises a monitoring duct (14) interposed between an upstream duct (7) for collecting the liquid (5) and a downstream duct (9) for discharging the liquid (5). The monitoring duct (14) has retaining means (15) for retaining part of the liquid (5) inside a chamber (16) arranged to receive a spillway (22) of the captured liquid (19) in a reserve (20) fitted with indicator means (23) with a visual scale for providing warning information relating to the quantity of liquid (24) contained in the reserve (20).

Abstract: Methods and devices for using one or more fluidic channels for generating binary states are described. In particular, the present teachings relate to incorporating such fluidic channels into devices that use the generated binary states in various applications.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling the flow of fluid, such as formation fluid, through an oilfield tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. Fluid flow is autonomously controlled in response to change in a fluid flow characteristic, such as density or viscosity. In one embodiment, a fluid diverter is movable between an open and closed position in response to fluid density change and operable to restrict fluid flow through a valve assembly inlet. The diverter can be pivotable, rotatable or otherwise movable in response to the fluid density change. In one embodiment, the diverter is operable to control a fluid flow ratio through two valve inlets. The fluid flow ratio is used to operate a valve member to restrict fluid flow through the valve.

Abstract: A gas transfer unit includes a transfer path forming member; a gas transferring member; and a gas purifying member as defined herein, and in a case where exhaustion is performed through the first exhaust port, the transfer vanes are rotated at a first rotation number, and, in a case where exhaustion is performed through the second exhaust port, the transfer vanes are rotated at a second rotation number which is higher than the first rotation number.

Abstract: A system for variably resisting flow of a fluid composition can include a flow passage and a set of one or more branch passages which intersect the flow passage, whereby a proportion of the composition diverted from the passage to the set of branch passages varies based on at least one of a) viscosity of the fluid composition, and b) velocity of the fluid composition in the flow passage. Another variable flow resistance system can include a flow path selection device that selects which of multiple flow paths a majority of fluid flows through from the device, based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the composition. Yet another variable flow resistance system can include a flow chamber, with a majority of the composition entering the chamber in a direction which changes based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the composition.

Abstract: A system for variably resisting flow of a fluid composition can include a flow passage and a set of one or more branch passages which intersect the flow passage, whereby a proportion of the fluid composition diverted from the passage to the set of branch passages varies based on at least one of a) viscosity of the fluid composition, and b) velocity of the fluid composition in the flow passage. Another variable flow resistance system can include a flow path selection device that selects which of multiple flow paths a majority of fluid flows through from the device, based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the fluid composition. Yet another variable flow resistance system can include a flow chamber, with a majority of the fluid composition entering the chamber in a direction which changes based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the fluid composition.

Abstract: A hose separation transmitter system includes a shock sensor and a transmitter that are secured to the delivery hose. If the hose becomes disconnected, the shock sensor will generate a shock signal when the hose falls to the ground and the transmitter will respond to the shock signal by generating an encoded RF signal. A receiver at the vehicle receives the RF signal from the transmitter, determines that a hose disconnect has occurred, and automatically disables a fluid pump or closes a valve to stop the flow of fluid. The shock sensor preferably uses a strip of piezoelectric material. Related methods are also disclosed. For quick connect and disconnect, the shock sensor and transmitter are preferably secured to the hose by a hook and loop fabric material. The transmitter is immune to normal ambient vibration levels. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for inducing high bulk hydrodynamic resistance and/or for inducing low electrical resistance in microscale systems including bulk viscosity enhancers, surfactants, and electrolytes. High bulk hydrodynamic resistance is optionally utilized to regulate the effects of spontaneous injection and/or dispersion. Induced high hydrodynamic resistance in conjunction with induced low electrical resistance are optionally utilized to provide and regulate electrical fields within microfluidic devices. Integrated systems incorporating the methods of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A method for computing three dimensional unsteady flows about an object. An allowable error is established for the vorticity term calculations, and object geometry is provided giving surface points on an object and a region of interest. A mesh is established incorporating points on the object. Initial flow conditions are set at the surface. Vorticity values that will satisfy boundary conditions are set at the provided surface points. A new mesh is established incorporating the provided points and other points in the region of interest. Boxes are generated containing the provided points and other points. Velocities and pressures at each point are calculated from the flow conditions, vorticity values and boundary conditions., A time variable is incremented and each point is moved by applying the calculated velocity. Vorticity at each point is then recalculated. The method is iterated starting with the step of satisfying boundary conditions until the incremented time variable exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A fluidic ball diverter valve for use in aerospace applications for diverting the output of a fluidic amplifier comprises a valve chamber having an inlet and two outlets. The orientation of the outlet valve seats is such that a line of action between the valve seats passing through the center of the valve ball defines an angle less 180 degrees. The orientation of the outlet valve seats permits the entire laminated fluidic amplifier module and at least a portion of the ball diverter valve itself to be mounted within the pressure vessel of the gas generator itself. By moving these components inside the pressure vessel, the pressure differential experienced by the components is substantially less than if the components were mounted outside the pressure vessel. This permits the components to be of substantially lighter construction.

Abstract: A laminar jet angular rate sensor senses inertial angular rate in flight control and stabilization systems for aircraft and other vehicles. The sensor utilizes fluid as a power source and may be interfaced directly with fluid powered actuators for closed loop rate stabilization of the vehicle. To be practical, the rate sensor must exhibit consistent operation over the side range of supply fluid temperatures seen in a typical application. This invention involves apparatus for providing constant sensor gain over a wide range of fluid viscosity conditions. To achieve this, the pressure drop across the rate sensor is varied proportional to supply fluid viscosity to overcome viscous momentum losses in the jet and provide a constant gain characteristic. The specific apparatus of the invention utilizes a pressure regulator with a fluid viscosity sensor to accurately provide the required supply pressure proportional to fluid viscosity schedule.

Abstract: A null balanced fluidic sensing system that is less susceptible to pressure upply disturbances includes sensing and amplifying elements in a closed loop arrangement. The differential output of the sensor, developed as a result of an input stimulus, is fed into the inputs of a single sided amplifier. The output of the amplifier is used as a source of supply for the sensor. This closed loop arrangement uses the null offset characteristics of the elements to create a null balanced fluidic sensing system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a system for selectively filling or emptying a tank by a filling or discharging device for the tank. In accordance with the invention, a passive responder and an aerial element of an electromagnetic detection system are respectively provided in the vicinity of the inlet or outlet of the tank and on the part of the filling or discharging device cooperating with the tank inlet or outlet. The aerial element forms part of a detection system for generating an electromagnetic interrogation field, which detection system generates a signal when detecting a responder. In one embodiment of the invention, the responder is a passive responder generating a uniquely coded signal by which the detection system identifies the responder.

Abstract: The temperature range for stable operation of a flueric partial pressure sensor (300) is improved by temperature-responsive means (80, 60) which vary with temperature change the suction applied by a flueric aspirator (27) in drawing gas through sensor bridge legs (12, 13) and a power line (37) of a flueric amplifier (11). The temperature-responsive means may comprise temperature-sensitive adjustment means (107, FIG. 2) embodied in a pressure reducing valve (80) to vary the pressure of working gas supplied by way of delivery line (28) for driving the flueric aspirator. Alternatively or additionally the temperature-responsive means may comprise a temperature-sensitive bleed valve (60) incorporated in a common outlet (14) from the bridge legs and the flueric amplifier power line.

Abstract: An improved feedback system for use with an oscillator carried in a bore hole is provided. The feedback system connects the output legs of a well bore oscillator to the feedback nozzles of the oscillator. It consists of a detachable housing that contains two compliance chambers. Each chamber has a supply port and an exhaust port. Inertance passageways allow fluid to pass through each chamber.

Abstract: A downhole pressure fluctuating tool having an improved acoustical circuit using a fluid oscillator to generate out-of-phase pressure fluctuations in two output legs, one connected to an acoustical compliance inside the tool and the other connected to an acoustical compliance exterior of the tool in a cavity partially formed by the wall of the well. An acoustical inertance with a pressure node at its midregion connects the two acoustical compliances, and said midregion communicates with the annulus between the body of the tool and the wall of the well to discharge fluid from the body at the pressure node to minimize acoustical losses in the annulus.

Abstract: Each guide member of a fluidic oscillator has a diverter which acts to split the flow from the power nozzle into a control stream that is diverted toward the inlet of an associated feedback path and an output stream that is directed toward an output duct. The resultant fluidic forces exerted alternately on the diverters are sensed, and the sensor outputs are processed to generate a sinusoidal wave from which volumetric flow or mass flow output signals are derived.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting the absolute pressure of a pressuri fluid to a differential pressure indicating the fluid pressure relative to a reference pressure. The pressurized fluid is directed asymmetrically into a laminar proportional amplifier (LPA) along a centerline toward a first of two outlets at a velocity determined by the fluid pressure. The LPA includes first and second control inlets disposed on opposite sides of the directed fluid jet and connected to a common source of control fluid, the first control inlet being disposed on the same side as the first outlet, and the second control inlet being disposed on the same side as the second outlet.

Abstract: Signal output means (11) responsive to gas flow and particularly suited for use in gas flow indicator apparatus (10), has first and second pressure-datum valves (24, 25) arranged in downstream order in a gas conduit (16), the second pressure-datum valve (25) being arranged to open at a lower pressure difference than the first pressure-datum valve (24). A flueric amplifier (15) has a power jet port (28) connected to the gas conduit (16) on the upstream side of the first pressure-datum valve (24), opposed control pressure ports (26, 27) connected respectively to a chamber (22) formed between the first and second pressure-datum valves (24, 25) and to the gas conduit (16) downstream of the second pressure-datum valve (25), and a vent port (30) also connected to the gas conduit (16) downstream of the second pressure-datum valve (25). A pressure signal output by the flueric amplifier (15) in response to gas flow through the conduit (16) may be used to trigger a visual or audio warning device (14).

Abstract: A liquid level control device for controlling the flow of liquid into a reservoir, storage tank or the like, incorporating automatic shut-off characteristics. The device includes nozzle means including a fluid amplifier for automatically closing valve means in response to sensing means disposed remote from the nozzle means and fluid amplifier. The remote sensing means is responsive to the static presence of the interface at a sensing level of liquid in the reservoir.

Abstract: An ultralow pressure relief valve (10) is disclosed. Sealing fluid (24) is held in place by capillary forces inside capillary tube (12). When pressure in tube (11) exceeds capillary forces, sealing fluid (24) is forced into reservoir (14), protecting pressure gage (20) from overpressurization.

Abstract: A pressure-to-electric output system is used to convert the dual outlet pressure signals of a fluidic angular rate sensor to a pair of oscillating electrical signals whose relative frequency differential is very accurately indicative of the sensor outlet pressure differential. The sensor outlets are fluidically coupled to the control ports of the first amplifier in a cascaded series of fluidic proportional amplifiers. The outlet ports of the terminal amplifier are coupled to the inlet ports of a pair of fluidic oscillators. A pair of microphone type pressure-to-electric transducers are driven by the oscillators to produce the oscillating electrical signals.

Abstract: A flueric partial pressure sensor includes a flueric bridge having two bridge legs adapted for sensing a reference-gas and sample-gas mixture. A linear resistor and an orifice resistor are incorporated in each of the bridge legs which are conjoined to discharge from a single outlet. The resistors are arranged to provide an asymmetric balance of the flow rates through the bridge legs. The asymmetric balance is selected so that in operation a constant pressure output signal is generated for a chosen partial pressure of a constituent gas of the sample-gas mixture in varying absolute pressure conditions such as changes in altitude. Respective pressure signal outlets connected one with each bridge leg at a position between the linear resistor and the orifice resistor are used to effect control of a flueric laminar flow proportional amplifier. Outputs from the flueric amplifier may be used to regulate a fluid mixing valve shown in FIG. 3, or to effect switching of an indicator device shown in FIG. 4.

Abstract: A fluidic accelerometer and electromagnetic transducer formed from a plurty of vertical laminations having a nozzle, a pair of outlets for receiving nozzle fluid and a flexible member as an extension of one of the laminations which forms a vertical wall of said nozzle extending into a chamber between the nozzle and the outlets. The flexible member is responsive to acceleration or electromagnetic forces transverse the nozzle centerline to vary the proportion of nozzle fluid received by each outlet. The flexible member is separated from the horizontal walls of the chamber by a selected small distance to create sufficient viscous shear force to effectuate damping.

Abstract: A pressure regulator for breathing apparatus which utilizes a low pressure control signal to control the inhalation of gases through the regulator. A first low pressure control valve is actuated by the diver's inhalation effort to provide a pressure signal which is used to control a main valve which supplies the breathing mixture input to the diver. Separate exhalation exhaust assist may be provided which utilizes energy from the air tank to help eject the diver's exhaust gases from the regulator.

Abstract: A fluidic oil viscometer for determining the degradation of machinery lubating oils compares the viscosity of the machinery oil with the viscosity of another fluid, such as air. Both the viscosity of the air and the viscosity of the oil are sensed, using capillary-orifice combination sensors, and the air viscosity reading is amplified using a series of laminar proportional amplifiers to equalize its change in viscosity with that of oil. The outputs of the capillary orifice combination sensors are applied to two different pressure gauges, the difference between these two pressure gauges represents the viscosity breakdown. This difference will be independent of temperature.

Abstract: A fluidic analog temperature sensor which compensates for variations in the supply pressure to the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus for fluid sound amplification and detection having enclosed within a predetermined sized housing a fluid supply emitter in combination with a signal input port and spaced a predetermined distance therefrom along an axis offset a determined distance from the fluid supply emitter axis, at least one receiver, the receiver being responsive to gradient differences in fluid pressure as effected by laminar flow of the fluid from the emitter, a filter connected to the receiver for removing relatively high frequency noise, a diaphragm coupler receiving the output of the filter, the coupler having an output for use as a signal input to another predetermined sized housing, emitter, signal input port and at least one receiver combination. A suitable input transducer is connected to the signal input port of the first housing combination and a suitable output transducer such as a recording microphone and oscilloscope is connected to a receiver output of the second housing combination.

Abstract: In order to determine the density of a test gas, the test gas is employed as the working fluid through an astable fluidic oscillator. Air, at the same temperature and pressure, is passed through the same or a like fluidic oscillator to obtain a second pulse repetition frequency reading. The density of the test gas is the ratio of the two pulse repetition frequencies. Preferably, for a given fluidic oscillator, graphs and/or tables are prepared giving the pulse repetition frequency of air at different temperatures and pressures in order that subsequent measurement of the pulse repetition frequency using a test gas will permit direct determination of the specific gravity of the test gas from a graph or table.

Abstract: A fluidic oscillator assembly including a fluidic oscillator having an inlet and two outlets, and a piezoelectric element for picking-up frequency oscillations induced in the fluid oscillator, the piezoelectric element being located at and closing one of the outlets of the fluidic oscillator.

Abstract: Device for determining the mixing ratio of binary gases in a mixture thereof by measuring the velocity of sound in the gas mixture, the value of the velocity of sound in the gas mixture determined by the oscillating frequency of a fluidic oscillator, the absolute temperature (T.sub.r) of the gas mixture in the feedback means of the oscillator, a correction factor proportional to the difference between the absolute temperature (T.sub.r) and the predetermined temperature (T.sub.o).

Abstract: A system for controlling a molding machine utilized to mold food products on a stick. The system incorporates fluidic logic elements that are responsive to signals generated by the piston position in actuation cylinders so that the system control is dependent on the process condition, rather than on timing or other indirect process control methods. The fluidic logic elements command the actuating cylinders through air piloted valves, in a wholly pneumatic system. The control system is continuously recycled with minimal delay between cycles unless a failure of the system to produce a complete and dispensed produce is sensed. The dispensing of the product is positively determined by a fluidic sensor and a logic control circuit that determines that the product has dropped into and through a sensing airstream. If a malfunction is detected the machine shuts down and will not restart unless the start-stop control is cycled, so that the machine may be safely serviced.

Abstract: A train of fluid pulses representative of a process variable is processed by digital fluidic circuits and is then converted into an analog fluid pressure signal which is compared to an analog command signal, the difference between the two compared signals being caused to appear in the form of a displacement. This displacement is amplified by means of a fluid servo system, the amplified output of which is utilized for directly driving a control element for a process.

Abstract: A laminar jet linear accelerometer includes a plenum chamber to which prerized fluid is supplied and a nozzle operatively associated with the chamber for issuing the fluid in the form of a jet. The jet is conducted into another chamber, which is vented to an ambient environment, and output channels, having fluidic output sensors disposed therein, are disposed downstream of the vented chamber. Under non-acceleration conditions, the issued jet uniformly impinges upon the sensors and a zero differential output is sensed and indicated, thereby indicating the absence of an applied acceleration. Under applied acceleration conditions, however, the jet flow is deflected by means of the applied acceleration and consequently, such flow impinges upon the sensors in a non-uniform manner. A differential output is thus sensed and the value or magnitude of the acceleration applied may be determined therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluidic sensor of the proximity type with improved sensing range and response. The sensor generally comprises an inner and outer tubes with an annular passageway therebetween. Air or the like under a low pressure (e.g. 4 pounds per square inch) is introduced in the annular passageway. Presence of an article near the discharge end of the device causes the air to be diverted down the interior of the inner tube and such a "signal" can be used to initiate or terminate control actions. The inner tube in the present invention has a novel exterior configuration which provides increased sensitivity which allows higher recovery (signal/supply) ratios and/or sensing at greater distances than possible with the prior art.