Abstract: According to one embodiment, a gripping tool includes a gripper, a sensor, a pump unit, and a controller. The gripper is flexible and has a granular material provided in an interior of the gripper. The sensor is connected to the interior. The sensor detects a pressure or a flow rate of a gas. The pump unit is connected to the interior. The controller performs at least a first operation of causing the gripper to contact a workpiece and causing the gripper to operate, and a second operation of separating the gripper from the workpiece and causing the gripper to operate. In at least a portion of the second operation, the controller sets a pressure of the interior to be different from a pressure external to the gripper.

Abstract: A centrifuge calibration apparatus (10) configured to be spun in a centrifuge and to provide an indication (25) of performance of the centrifuge. Spinning of the apparatus in the centrifuge causes a piston (14) to exert centrifugal force to compress a spring (22), thereby generating relative movement between a pointer (24) and a scale (26). The scale may be calibrated in units of G-force or RPM. A ratchet mechanism (40) holds the pointer at its most displaced position upon completion of the spinning and removal of the apparatus from the centrifuge.

Abstract: A simple and reliable anticipatory failure indicator is provided for fluid circulation piping, and a fluid cooling arrangement including such an indicator is provided. The indicator includes a first sacrificial member, which is designed to be in direct contact with the fluid within the piping and designed to be weaker than the piping. The indicator includes a chamber, which is isolated from the fluid circulation at least partly by means of the first sacrificial member. The indicator includes an electrical response member, which is arranged into the chamber and which is configured to produce an electrical response upon exposure to the fluid, which has entered to the chamber via a failed sacrificial member. Accordingly, the indicator is configured to provide an electrical response as a direct indication of a failed sacrificial member and as an anticipatory indication of failed piping.

Abstract: An ambulatory infusion device for infusion of a liquid drug into a patient's body over an extended period of time and methods thereof are disclosed. The device includes a sensor assembly, which produces a sensor assembly output based on an infusion characteristic of the ambulatory infusion device and based on a supply voltage/current, and a supply unit which is coupled to a sensor of the sensor assembly and generates the supply voltage/current. A sensor testing unit detects a failure of the sensor assembly, wherein the sensor testing unit is coupled to the sensor assembly and the supply unit, and the sensor testing unit carries out a sensor testing sequence. The sensor testing sequence includes controlling the supply unit so as to produce a variation of the supply voltage/current, and determining whether the variation of the supply voltage/current produces a corresponding variation of the sensor assembly output.

Abstract: An irreversible pressure indicator, comprising a sealed vessel forming a fluid chamber and at least one indicating chamber; an indicating material contained within the fluid chamber, said material capable of being acted upon by a pressure force; and a gas contained within the indicating chamber, said gas capable of being displaced or compressed by said indicating material, and a method for using the same.

Abstract: The present invention is a mechanical oscillator for detection and measurement of corrosive foreign materials. The elements include a mechanical oscillator that is mechanically excited, wherein the mechanical oscillator has a resonant frequency, f, and a quality factor, Q. A fuse fixed to the oscillator to change oscillator amplitude to and from essentially zero to resonance amplitude. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical oscillator has the shape of a tuning fork where one region is compatible with the service fluid and the other region is incompatible with the service fluid or other contaminant. The sensor alarms when a measured amount of the incompatible material has been removed or the physical strength of the material has been compromised.

Abstract: Mechanical overloads in a reciprocating gas compressor can cause irreparable damage to compressor components if the source of the overloads is not repaired. A method of detecting mechanical overloads includes forming a mechanical fuse that is configured to strain under overload conditions, and observing a condition of the mechanical fuse. The condition of the mechanical fuse is indicative of whether the compressor experienced a mechanical overload. By simply observing the mechanical fuse, overload conditions can be checked during routine inspections and maintenance checks.

Abstract: The invention is a safety device for a trapped volume space for use as overpressure protection made of a housing forming a chamber within a trapped volume space having a incompressible fluid, a compressible material disposed in the chamber, and a pressure relief component in communication with the compressible material and the incompressible fluid, wherein the pressure relief component is adapted to break at a predetermined point thereby increasing the trapped volume space by compressing the compressible material and resulting in a reduced pressure in the trapped volume space.

Abstract: A device used to alert an individual of the presense of low atmospheric pressure. This is accomplished through the use of an aeronoid barometer, and an audio/visual alarm. The counterclockwise rotation of the metallic barometer needle contacts the the sensor probe, or metallic contact, at a given low atmospheric pressure. This contact completes an electrical circuit which activates an alarm.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor includes an elastic member extending about a central axis, having a central region, a peripheral region, a first side, and a second side. An overpressure stop member has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the overpressure stop member has a contour adapted to limit deflection of the elastic member caused by a differential pressure between the two regions across the elastic member. The outer surface of the overpressure stop member has an first electrically conductive region. A second plate is spaced apart from the outer surface of the overpressure stop member, and being connected to the central region of the elastic member by a post, wherein the post transfers deformation of the elastic member caused by differential pressure across the elastic member to movement of the second plate along the central axis.

Abstract: A pressure indicator according to the present invention monitors the pressure of the fluid in a vessel. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a closed pressurized gas volume behind a dimpled metal diaphragm. In normal operation, the force of the fluid pressure acting on the external surface of the diaphragm overcomes the force of the gas pressure acting on the internal surface of the diaphragm to hold the diaphragm in a concave geometry. In the event of a sufficient loss of fluid pressure, the force of the gas pressure acting on the internal surface of the diaphragm will overcome the force of the fluid pressure acting on the external surface of the diaphragm, thereby moving the diaphragm into a convex geometry. A viewing window disposed in the side of the vessel can be used to view the pressure indicator and determine the shape of the indicator diaphragm.

Abstract: In a multi-channel pressure sensor controller, measured pressure signals from a plurality of pressure sensors to each of which a channel number is assigned are subjected to selection at a multiplexer using a selection signal based on the output of an arithmetic and control unit; the measured pressure signal from the selected pressure sensor is converted by an A-D converter into a digital value; under the control of the arithmetic and control unit, a display unit shows an indication of the digital value converted by the A-D converter and the channel number assigned to the pressure sensor outputting the measured pressure signal having the digital value; a threshold stored in advance for the channel number is compared with the digital value obtained by performing Analog-Digital conversion on the measured pressure signal from the pressure sensor associated with the channel number; and an indication based on the output of the comparison is shown at an alarm indicator lamp for a channel number provided on an alarm

Abstract: A vacuum controlling apparatus is provided. The vacuum level of a vacuum chamber can be accurately maintained by measuring and controlling the vacuum level of the vacuum chamber by using six parameters: desired pressure, predetermined time for reaching the desired pressure, predetermined temperature, actual pressure, actual time for reaching the desired pressure, and actual temperature.

Abstract: A hose fatigue indicator including a hose fitting defining an opening. A fracturable diaphragm is positioned adjacent the opening. The diaphragm is in communication with fluid flowing through the fitting. The diaphragm fractures upon exceeding a predetermined fatigue limit due to exposure to the fluid flowing through the fitting. Indicator means provides an indication that the diaphragm has fractured.

Abstract: A pressure gauge includes a housing unit and a membrane which has a periphery secured to an inner wall of the housing unit, so as to define an air chamber under the membrane in the housing unit. The membrane has a central portion which can move upward in the housing unit in response to increase in air pressure of the air chamber. An adjustment rod has an externally threaded portion extending through and engaged threadably within the threaded hole of a guiding member which is secured in the housing unit. A microswitch is installed on a lower end portion of the adjustment rod and is connected electrically to a pressure source which supplies compressed air into an article to be measured by the gauge. The movement of the adjustment rod relative to the guiding member moves the microswitch in the housing unit to a predetermined position which corresponds to a preset upper limit value of air pressure of the air chamber.

Abstract: A post activation device to indicate that pressure the existed within a pressure vessel just prior to the opening of the pressure vessel and the resulting loss of pressurization, having a diaphragm, plug or piston (62, 130, 160, 330) capable of rupturing, moving or deforming in response to a pressure differential thereacross above one or more low limit values and for providing an indication of the pressure within the pressure vessel just prior to its being opened, and a support member (70), within the pressure vessel for supporting the diaphragm, plug or piston means.

Abstract: A technique for impregnating a fluid so that the impregnated fluid retains information about the highest pressure that has ever been exerted on it. This technique is particularly useful where normal pressure measurement methods are not practical.

Abstract: A mechanical pressure gage for measuring the change in fluid pressure resing from an explosive charge and the like. The sealed gage housing includes a plate member having a recess in which a metalic foil diaphragm means is frictionally mounted therein. The plate member has a wedged-shaped opening centrally located on the plate member and extending therethrough. The diaphragm means covers the wedged-shaped opening and is adapted to be mechanically deformed by a change in the fluid pressure within the housing. A cover plate for the housing also has a corresponding wedged-shaped opening and has scale marking located adjacent to the edge for measuring the extent of the rupture of the diaphragm means upon the fluid pressure change. Another plate member forms a back to the housing.

Abstract: A brake adjustment indicator adapted to be mounted to a mounting bracket which supports a brake air chamber on a surface of the mounting bracket opposite the brake air chamber with the brake air chamber having a rod extending therethrough with one end of the rod adjacent the surface and connected by a clevis pin to a brake arm. The brake adjustment indicator comprises a bracket having an elongated body portion and having on one end thereof a base plate positioned generally at right angle to the base portion. The base portion is adapted to be mounted onto the mounting plate. The elongated body portion has an elongated, continuous slot therethrough, which slot is generally parallel to the rod when the base plate is mounted to the mounting plate. The brake adjustment indicator also comprises a pointer adapted to be adjustably mounted in the slot of the body portion.

Abstract: A tire pressure gauge located within a self-contained enclosure having a changeable numeric display at its exterior. An air inlet on the enclosure is utilized to establish pneumatic communication between the interior of an inflated tire and the interior of the enclosure. The enclosure interior is provided with electronic pressure responsive circuits operably connected to the display for presenting a numerical reading of air pressure. A power control circuit is operated by a programmed CPU, which electronically shifts it between operative and inoperative states to prolong battery life. The programmed CPU also detects maximum pressure readings, which are announced to the user by an electronically driven audible signal device within the hand-held enclosure.

Abstract: A method of detecting cylinder pressure and a cylinder pressure detection device in an internal combustion engine. Two reference values are set and then adjusted so that the maximum pressure value output by a cylinder pressure sensor falls between them. At least one of the reference values is then approximated to the maximum output and the magnitude of the approximated reference value is deemed to represent the maximum value. The crank angle at which the detected maximum pressure value occurred is determined with respect to reference point such as top dead center.

Abstract: A maximum pressure indicator for indicating maximum pressure of a fluid system employs a deformable disc which is bonded to a main plug. The plug has a cavity which is sealed by the disc so that a low pressure is maintained in the cavity. The indicator is inserted into an installation bore of a fluid system. The maximum pressure exerted against the disc is indicated by means of the deflection distance of the disc into the cavity. A helical coil spring assembly is employed to secure the indicator in fixed position within the installation bore.

Abstract: A pressure gauge includes a housing, an indicating board, a rotatable axle with a pinion member, an indicator for displaying the degree of rotation of the axle, a tube member disposed on the housing and having an air inlet, a movable member sealingly disposed in the tube member near the air inlet for being forced by the external air pressure to move, a compression spring for biasing the movable member toward the air inlet, a rack member movably mounted in the tube member and capable of extending outwardly of the tube member in the housing to mesh with the pinion member so as to drive the axle to rotate, a tension spring for pulling the rack member toward the movable member, a blocking member normally brought into engagement with the surface of the axle to create a friction force therebetween when the axle is driven to rotate by the rack member as the movable member is forced downwardly by the air pressure, wherein the friction force is adjusted higher than tension force of the tension spring when the tension

Abstract: A peak combustion pressure signal processing circuit for an internal combustion engine having a plurality of combustion chambers with combustion pressure sensors includes an operational amplifier for each sensor with an output connected through a diode to a common junction. Each operational amplifier has a feedback circuit from the common junction to its input effective to cause its output voltage to decrease so as to reverse bias its output diode when the voltage on the common junction exceeds the voltage derived from the associated sensor, whereby only the diode passing the maximum combustion pressure signal is forward biased. A logic circuit having inputs from the common junction and the outputs of at least all but one of the operational amplifiers determines which diode is forward biased and assumes a uniquely identifiable output state.

Abstract: A pressure memory device is used in conjunction with a pressure gauge to measure the highest or lowest liquid pressure in a system and to retain that measurement. The device comprises a manifold having a through bore with a check valve disposed therein. By connecting a pressure gauge to one end of the through bore and coupling the other end of the through bore to a fluid system, the check valve will trap fluid between the check valve and the pressure gauge.

Abstract: An improved air filter restriction indicating device is disclosed for use in connection with an internal combustion engine intake air filtration system. The improvement resides in a novel structure for resetting the indicating device which permits the indicating device to be reliably used in cold, wet environments and in particularly dirty, dusty environments.

Abstract: A simplified downhole pressure reading instrument. It has a cylindrical body which holds a charge of gas at one end. There is a concentric cylindrical element which slides longitudinally inside the body with a low friction seal between them. The body has an opening at the other end from the gas charge, to admit the downhole fluid pressure. And, there is an arrangement for taking a reading of the maximum compression of the gas charge by the longitudinal movement of the inner cylindrical element.

Abstract: There is disclosed a brake wear indicator which is suited for the retrofit installation on vehicle pneumatic brakes. The wear indicator comprises a sleeve that loosely fits over the push rod of the pneumatic actuator. The sleeve has an outside diameter permitting it to be received in the aperture of the actuator housing which slidably receives the push rod and is frictionally engaged within this aperture. When the vehicle brakes are applied during normal operation, the sleeve is extended from the actuator by the diaphragm member assembly which subdivides the actuator housing into the air pressure chamber and the ambient chamber which receives the push rod. Indicia are calibrated on the exterior surface of the sleeve whereby one can directly observe the degree of sleeve travel which corresponds to the push rod travel in the brake system. A continuous reading is thus obtainable on the degree of wear of the brake system.

Abstract: An indicator device for indicating when a prechosen pressure difference has been exceeded comprises a casing having two ports separated by a resilient diaphragm with an aperture therein, and a movable member urged into sealing relation with said aperture so as to prevent leakage therethrough, the configuration of the member and the aperture being selected so that, in use, the application of a prechosen pressure differential between said ports will cause the member to partly pass through the aperture to a position whereat it is retained by the diaphragm, said member being provided with means for indicating that it has been so retained.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in developing boxing technique to indicate punching power during work-outs with practice equipment, includes a practice bag or the like having a punch-receiving area including pneumatic structure with connection through a releasible check-valve to a pressure gauge oriented for visibility by the person practicing.In a preferred embodiment, a pneumatic compartment, in the form of a slip on accessory, overlies the full length of the bag.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for measuring the maximum pressure of gas in a system by use of the Brinell principle. In preferred form, the apparatus of the invention is mounted in a plug fitting in the end of a steel cylinder for transporting gases under pressure. The plug has a partial bore extending from the inner end outwardly. A sample is fixed in position adjacent the outer end of the bore. A penetrator is slidably mounted in the bore and has an indentor facing the sample. The penetrator is forced by pressure of the gas against the sample leaving an indentation thereon indicative of the maximum pressure attained in the cylinder over its service life. A vent from the outer end of the plug to the bore prevents buildup of gas pressure between the penetrator and the sample due to leakage of gas along the passage and prevents inaccurate readings.

Abstract: A device for indicating the maximum reading of a measuring instrument of the type having a needle turnable over a dial marked with a graduated scale extending for more than 360.degree. includes an auxiliary needle mounted on a pivot pin carried by a transparent screen covering the dial and lightly frictionally engaged with this pin so that it can be turned, for zero setting, by rotation of the pin by means of a knob attached to the outer end thereof. The auxiliary needle is provided with engagement means by which it is engaged by the main needle upon advancing movement, but which allows the main needle to pass the auxiliary needle should it require to do so, having reached a maximum position more than 360.degree. from the zero of the scale so that, upon returning to zero, it passes the auxiliary needle which remains fixed at the maximum position reached.

Abstract: A device (10) for metering discrete lengths of filament utilized in a flexible filament vegetation cutting device is disclosed. The line metering device (10) is preferably used in flexible filament lawn mowers. An electric motor (28) rotatively drives a drive shaft (32) about its axis. A driving mechanism, preferably a spool (36) is coupled to the drive shaft (32) for rotation therewith whenever the drive shaft (32) is rotated. A driven mechanism, preferably a guide drum (84), is selectively coupled for rotation to the driving mechanism (36). The spool (36) has the flexible filament (66) wound about it and is coupled to one of the driven and driving mechanisms (84, 32) for rotation therewith.

Abstract: A manometer for recording maximum pressures from a liquid supply comprising, a closed air chamber, an elongated channel communicating with the supply adjacent a lower end of the channel and communicating with the chamber through an opening adjacent an upper end of the channel, and an overflow cavity positioned to receive and collect liquid passing through the channel and opening such that the quantity of liquid collected in the cavity provides an indication of the maximum pressure achieved by the supply.

Abstract: A dual-indicator manometer for an automatic sphygmomanometer, composed of two pressure indicators each mounted on a shaft and arranged to be individually blocked or released by the armature of an individual electromagnet. Depending on the excitation state of the electromagnet, the armature is raised from or pressed against the surface of the shaft of the associated indicator.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in developing boxing technique to indicate punching power during work-outs with practice equipment, includes a practice bag or the like having a punch-receiving area including pneumatic structure with connection through a releasible check-valve to a pressure gauge oriented for visibility by the person practicing.