Abstract: An ignition/reignition circuit (10) for a gas burner (12) having separate flame sensing and ignition electrodes. The flame sensing electrode (25,30) trips a switch (Q1) upon transition from sensor output signals indicative of the sensed presence of a flame to a sensed absence. The switch is coupled to a spark generator circuit which includes a spark electrode (16) for reigniting the burner in the event of flame failure.

Abstract: A planar array of electric conductors is stamped from a sheet of conductive material and has tabs for each of the conductors bent outwardly of the plane of the material. The conductors are interconnected by a plurality of webs and are affixed to a dielectric carrier sheet by an adhesive, whereupon the webs are severed and the conductors have electrical isolation. The carrier sheet and conductors are attached to a control panel and electric control devices are attached to the control panel over the conductors. The control devices are provided with terminals that extend in the same direction as the tabs of the conductors, and the control devices are electrically connected to the conductors by double ended push-on preformed connectors.

Abstract: It has been discovered that vortex flowmeters can be suitably adapted for the measurement of two-phase fluid flows, and particularly for the measurement of steam quality, when disposed in a particular manner in horizontal flowpipes carrying such fluids. More specifically, the invention disclosed includes the disposition of a substantially linear vortex flowmeter horizontally and transversely in a horizontal flowpipe to measure two-phase fluid flows, for example, wet steam quality. When the mass flow rate is not determinable through knowledge of the feedstock, other sensors enable measurement of the vapor phase volumetric area and velocity to permit calculation of the flow measurand.

Abstract: Microminiature resonant sensor structures are prepared according to micromachining/microfabrication techniques, which structures include thin-film deposits of piezoelectric materials. Such piezoelectric deposits may be excited electrically by including metallized conductive paths during fabrication, or optically. The resonant frequency of the sensor structure is varied by subjecting it to a physical variable, or measurand, such as pressure, temperature, flow rate, etc. Similarly, the resonant frequency of the devices may be detected electrically or optically. The microminiature resonant structures include ribbons and wires, hollow beam and cantilevered hollow beams, and single- and double-ended double beam resonant structures such as tuning forks.

Abstract: In a combustion system, the economic optimum efficiency is achieved by periodically computing a relative index of combustion efficiency using the combustion chamber as a real-time, on-line calorimeter. This is accomplished by first determining the combustion chamber inputs and outputs required to calculate a relative index of performance (including measuring the amount of heat released or work performed at the present air/fuel ratio including the stack losses, without oxygen and/or carbon monoxide sensors), sequentially comparing the latest relative index value with the previous value, then adjusting the air/fuel ratio to achieve an improved index value.

Abstract: An optically driven, electromagnetically oscillating resonant sensor subjected to a stress force wherein the optical driving energy and the optically communicated signal generated in response to the stress force are both communicated a substantial distance along a single optical fiber. A portion of the supply energy drives the oscillatory mechanism and a portion is reflected to a frequency detector by the shuttering action of the resonant element. The device may be configured so as to be electrically driven and optically sensed, optically driven and electrically sensed, or both optically driven and optically sensed for maximum retrofit versatility in past, present, and future process control systems.

Abstract: A calibration apparatus and associated method for the measurement of valuable fluids in storage or at the point of transfer. More particularly, a calibration apparatus and method for use with capacitive liquid level measurement systems.

Abstract: A micromechanical electric shunt is fabricated by micromachining according to recent IC fabrication procedures. A plurality of such shunts is incorporated on a single substrate to form novel process station or post identification or signature encoding apparatus for use on a telecommunications bus or the equivalent. Such identification of signature encoding apparatus may be configured for conventional binary coding. Both frequency and current derivative mode apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: In a hobby horse of the type where the body thereof is supported from four upright posts by retractile suspension springs, the present invention incorporates a drive apparatus for imparting a rocking motion to the hobby horse. The invention achieves differing oscillatory rates of horse movement according to the size and weight of the child. Timer and speed controls may be provided.

Abstract: A nonporous composite electrode, particularly suitable for use in electromagnetic flowmeters, includes a non-metallic, electrically conductive element consisting of a fused mass of polymeric material, such as perfluoroalkoxy (pfa) fluoropolymer, and carbon fibers. The electrode is fabricated by stacking alternating layers of polymeric film and carbon fiber paper, subjecting the assembly to sufficient heat and pressure to intermix the two components and bond them into a coherent mass, and fusing the resultant composite material onto a mounting pin. Using a polymeric material compatible with the polymeric liner of an electromagnetic flowtube allows the finished electrode to be fused into the liner, again by application of heat and pressure, so as to achieve a seamless interface. This configuration virtually eliminates process fluid leaks around the electrode, while the electrode structure itself exhibits exceptional high temperature stability and corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a liquid level measurement system of the type having capacitive sensors, by simulating the electrical effects of sensors in an empty condition and their interconnecting cables, at a time when the sensors are full or partially filled. By a sequential balancing technique, using a conventional bridge circuit, a precision, highly stable variable impedance device is adjusted to individually simulate the effects of each sensor and cable combination with the sensor in an empty condition. The settings of the variable impedance device are recorded, and at a later time when the sensors are no longer empty, these settings are reproduced, so as to recreate the electrical effects of each sensor cable combination one at a time. The individual effects are separately transferred into a network having a plurality of variable impedance channels, until each channel simulates the effects of a corresponding sensor and cable.

Abstract: A process control system includes redundant digital controllers and a plurality of input/output (I/O) modules for interfacing with remote field sensors and actuators. Bi-directional communication between controllers and I/O modules is achieved by a parallel-wired, process I/O bus. Failures within the system, including the bus structure itself, that continually keep the bus active (i.e., in a low state) are isolated by a combination of software diagnostic routines for performing bus checkout and a unique quick disconnect feature that readily isolates the fault condition first between the I/O module nest area and the controllers, then, if necessary, to individual I/O modules. During fault isolation procedures, individual I/O modules may be disconnected from the bus while the values of field signals are simultaneously maintained to provide minimum process upset.

Abstract: A magnetic flowmeter of the capacitively-coupled type includes low-input impedance detection circuitry which responds to a flow induced current signal that is related to the voltage induced at the electrodes by the intersection of the flowing fluid and a time varying magnetic field. An on-line measure of the electrode capacitance that is non-interactive with the flow induced current signal is accomplished by creating a voltage difference between the process fluid and the electrodes which causes a capacitance-related current to flow from the electrodes proportional to the value of the electrode capacitance as well as the rate of change of the magnetic field. In one embodiment the primary element and the detection circuitry are referenced to a different potential than that of the process fluid and the adjacent piping of the flow system.

Abstract: Control of multiple distillation columns for producing anhydrous alcohol suitable for blending with gasoline to produce gasohol. The distillation process involves production of a first-stage distillate containing a predetermined amount of water, followed by azeotropic distillation in the presence of a hydrocarbon entrainer to strip the distillate of its water content, leaving anhydrous alcohol as a bottom product. Tight controls are present during first-stage distillate production to hold its proof at an optimum value derived at through material balance calculations to minimize energy consumption for the overall system. Control over the dehydrating stage is accomplished by a combination of ratio control to regulate and maintain the proper proportion of the entrainer and temperature control to regulate within the column the actual inventory of entrainer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of storing a great length of continuously advancing elongate metallic material in a temperature controlled accumulator (40, 50) is disclosed to enable greater line speeds by exposing a greater length of material to the heat treatment. Several embodiments are disclosed in which heated cylindrical accumultor apparatus (40, 50) are used to store a multiplicity of wraps (45) around fixed or rotating cylinders (44, 51) which are maintained at the desired temperatures.