Abstract: Disclosed herein are individual sensor modules for mounting directly upon energized electrical power conductors and systems employing such modules, with principal emphasis upon the provision of both data transmitting and receiving means in each sensor module and at an associated ground station. The modules sense the instantaneous values of all parameters necessary to perform complete metering functions and, in one embodiment, are synchronized by a signal transmitted from the ground station and received by all modules so that the values are measured simultaneously on all conductors at a substation. The signals are transmitted by the modules in a time-synchronized manner and are in a condition for use directly by the ground station microprocessor. In another embodiment, data transmissions by a plurality of modules is synchronized to avoid data collisions by self-contained means within each module, requiring no synchronizing signal from the ground station.

Abstract: A unitary element for use in measuring the total and static pressure of a gas flowing through a duct is disclosed in a preferred embodiment. The element is elongated and hollow, having a continuous, impermeable wall dividing the interior into total and static pressure chambers. In cross section, the element is of aerodynamic or airfoil shape, having a curved forward edge and converging toward the trailing edge adjacent which the outer surfaces are parallel for a short distance. Spaced openings along the forward edge and the upper and lower portions of the rearwardly converging wall portions communicate with the total and static pressure chambers, respectively. Separate manifolds communicate with the total and static pressure chambers of a plurality of such members arranged across an air flow duct to obtain average pressure readings across the cross section of the duct.

Abstract: An electrical power monitoring and control system including individual sensor modules for mounting directly upon energized electrical power conductors and systems employing such modules, with principal emphasis upon the provision of both data transmitting and receiving means in each sensor module and at an associated ground station. The modules sense the instantaneous values of all parameters necessary to perform complete metering functions and, in one embodiment, are synchronized by a signal transmitted from the ground station and received by all modules so that the values are measured simultaneously on all conductors at a substation. The signals are transmitted by the modules in a time-synchronized manner and are in a condition for use directly by the ground station microprocessor. In another embodiment, data transmissions by a plurality of modules is synchronized to avoid data collisions by self-contained means within each module, requiring no synchronizing signal from the ground station.

Abstract: A security system includes a microcomputer with an auxiliary read-only memory and a key device including a similar read-only memory, each of the read-only memories containing corresponding pluralities of corresponding binary combination codes. Under the control of the microcomputer the codes are read and compared. If the combinations and the sequence do not compare, the system will not unlock and an alarm will be generated. The read-only memories are of the programmable type, so that changes in the combinations and sequences can be accomplished easily. A plurality of visual indicators and an audible alarm provide the user and personnel in the secure area with information concerning the status of the system.

Abstract: While an exhaust gas sensor having an output characteristic linear with respect to the concentration of a specific component in exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine, the opening of an automatic choke valve is controlled in response to the degree of warming-up of the engine. From the time of activation of the exhaust gas sensor to the time of completion of warming-up of the engine, the automatic choke valve and an air-fuel ratio control valve arranged in an air passage bypassing a throttle valve in an intake passage of the engine, are driven so as to achieve a desired air-fuel ratio, respectively, when the difference between the desired air-fuel ratio and actual one is larger than a predetermined value, and when the difference is smaller than the predetermined value. After completion of warming-up of the engine, the air-fuel ratio control valve is driven in response to operating conditions of the engine so as to achieve the desired air-fuel ratio.

Abstract: An automatic grounding means for a wiring device is provided by a spring clip formed from a single piece of wire in a generally U-shaped configuration, bent upwardly at both ends. The bent end portions are inserted through a pair of openings on opposite sides of the conventional mounting screw slot in the ears on the yoke of the wiring device, and are further bent either toward or away from one another to maintain the clip in firm engagement with the yoke without welding or other such permanent connection. When mounted on the yoke, parallel legs of the clip extend across the screw slot and are spaced by a distance less than the diameter of the mounting screw which thereby contacts the legs, flexing them outwardly, as the mounting screw is passed through the slot and between the clip legs to engage the flush box in which the wiring device is mounted. The engagement of the clip with the yoke assures a low resistance grounding path from the yoke to the clip to the screw to the flush box.

Abstract: A variable capacity vane compressor comprising a control element having at least one pressure-receiving protuberance dividing a space into a first and a second pressure chamber, wherein the control element angularly moves in response to a differential pressure between the first and second pressure chambers, to vary an opening angle of a second portion of at least one inlet port. The control element has mounted thereon a sealing member for sealing between the first and second pressure chambers and between a low pressure chamber and a vane back pressure zone.

Abstract: A method of feedback-controlling the air-fuel ratio of a mixture, supplied to an internal combustion engine, by at least one of proportional control and integral control in dependence upon the results of a comparison between the output of an exhaust gas concentration sensor and a predetermined reference value. The method includes obtaining the ratio of a first time period required for an output value from the exhaust gas concentration sensor to make a transition from a peak value on a rich side to a predetermined reference value with respect to the predetermined reference value, and a second time period required for the output value to make a transition from a peak value on a lean side to the predetermined reference value with respect to the predetermined reference value, and altering, in dependence upon the ratio obtained, at least one predetermined control factor applied to control of the air-fuel ratio.

Abstract: A portable water filter for household use is disclosed, comprising a pair of releasably connected, upper and lower sections. A water faucet is connected by a line having a severe flow restriction to the lower section for discharge into the bottom thereof. The two sections are connected by a threaded collar having an integral wall separating the two sections with aperture means at its center for upward flow of water from the lower to the upper section. Each section contains two filtering materials, one of which in each section is a plurality of nested, cup-shaped, paper filter elements sealed by a mating ring to the interior surface of the respective section. The walls of the sections are transparent to permit viewing of the filter materials, thereby visually indicating the need for filter replacement by the degree of discoloration thereof.

Abstract: A variable capacity vane compressor has a pressure chamber formed in one of side blocks of a cylinder and communicating a zone under lower pressure with a zone under higher pressure, and at least one second inlet port the opening angle of which is variable in response to a difference between pressure within a first pressure chamber of the pressure chamber and pressure within a second pressure chamber of same. The second pressure chamber is communicated with the zone under higher pressure via a high-pressure communication passage and with the zone under lower pressure via a low-pressure communication passage.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus comprises means for effectively removing excess moisture from compressed air such as employed, for example, in spray painting applications. The outlet line from an air compressor is connected to the inlet of hollow coil of metal with good heat conductivity, such as copper or aluminum, having an outlet connected to an air manifold. The coil and manifold are both immersed in chilled water, whereby the temperature of the air and its capacity to hold water vapor are significantly lowered to cause the water to be condensed in liquid form and collect at the bottom of the manifold.

Abstract: A spring-loaded, double-acting fish hook having a pair of oppositely directed barbed hooks at the ends of a pair of legs of a spring member. The spring is disclosed as of the safety pin type, bent in a loop at its midpoint and having a catch on one leg engageable by a latch pivotally mounted on the other leg to maintain the spring in a flexed position with the hooks overlapping one another. Pressure on a trigger arm extending integrally from the latch to a position closely adjacent one of the hooks releases the latch, allowing the biasing force of the spring to move the legs, and thus the hooks, in opposite directions.

Abstract: A self-contained unit intended primarily for tracing the circuit connection between electrical outlets and a circuit-breaking connection thereof to an AC power source. The unit includes a housing containing batteries, a buzzer or other sound-producing means, an AC relay and a switch for selective placement in either of two positions. An electrical cord extends from the housing and terminates in a male plug for insertion in a receptacle of the circuit to be traced. By placing the switch in its first position the buzzer will sound when the AC power is supplied to the receptacle; placing the switch in its second position will cause the buzzer to sound when AC power, initially present, is removed from the receptacle. A second embodiment adds to the foregoing the capability of testing unpowered circuits for continuity between two conductors by incorporating an additional selectively positioned switch.

Abstract: A miniaturized pressure transducer is disclosed wherein light transmitted through a single optical fiber is reflected by a diaphragm exposed to and deflected in accordance with the pressure being measured. The terminal end of the fiber is covered by a light absorption layer having a plurality of discrete openings through which light may pass for reflection by the diaphragm with the proportion of light passing back through the openings and the fiber varying in accordance with the distance between the end of the fiber and the diaphragm, as determined by the pressure exerted thereon. The diaphragm is incorporated in a disposable tip which is threaded to an elongated tube which holds a ferrule containing the fiber and fixedly positioning the terminal end thereof for predetermined spacing from the diaphragm. The disclosure also includes a novel method of mass producing the end-coated fibers in assembled relation with the ferrules.

Abstract: An electrical power monitoring and control system including individual sensor modules for mounting directly upon energized electrical power conductors and systems employing such modules, with principal emphasis upon the provision of both data transmitting and receiving means in each sensor module and at an associated ground station. The modules sense the instantaneous values of all parameters necessary to perform complete metering functions and, in one embodiment, are synchronized by a signal transmitted from the ground station and received by all modules so that the values are measured simultaneously on all conductors at a substation. The signals are transmitted by the modules in a time-synchronized manner and are in a condition for use directly by the ground station microprocessor. In another embodiment, data transmissions by a plurality of modules is synchronized to avoid data collisions by self-contained means within each module, requiring no synchronizing signal from the ground station.

Abstract: The invention is primarily directed to sensor modules for mounting directly upon energized electrical power lines to monitor parameters associated with operation thereof, wherein the modules have a more compact lateral configuration than prior art modules designed for the same purpose. The modules include a first, cylindrical housing portion containing the sensing means and other electronic data processing and transmitting elements, and a second housing portion, affixed to the exterior of the first portion and extending not more than about 150.degree. around the periphery thereof, and enclosing mechanical elements of the module mounting means.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for movement through a field is adapted to perform a number of functions including severing plant stems from the roots, placing the severed plants in windrows, and preparing soil for planting. The apparatus includes a wheel-mounted frame for attachment to a tractor, a pair of flat discs with notched peripheries mounted for rotation about parallel axes and hydraulic motors for imparting rotation, through drive shafts, to the discs in opposite directions. The discs and their supporting structure are mounted for selectively adjustable movement to vary the spacing of the axes of rotation, thereby placing the disc peripheries in either overlapped or spaced relation. The variable positioning of the disc peripheries governs the function performed by the apparatus and may be augmented by using discs of different diameters as well as by adjusting the spacing of the rotational axes.