Abstract: A sensitive to a change in the physical dimension(s) of the exterior surface of a pressure vessel transducer and attached to the exterior surface thereof the pressure vessel may be a vacuum chamber. The transducer measures exterior dimension change, representing interior pressure change information, without intrusion. The measurements are displayed using distinctive lights or audible alarms which signal if the pressure inside the vessel is within a predetermined range. If the pressure within the vessel varies outside of the predetermined range, a more precise display device such as a meter, is provided to aid facility personnel in deciding when repairs are necessary.

Abstract: A method for processing electric storage batteries, particularly lithium/thionyl chloride batteries, which includes the steps of discharging the batteries, lowering the temperature of the battery components to -180.degree. C., and cutting the battery into pieces while in its cold state before further processing. The process can also include the further steps of incineration, collecting the solid, liquid and gaseous discharges from the incinerator, washing the solid and liquid discharges with water and the gaseous discharge with an alkaline solution, mixing the resultant wash streams, separating precipitates formed from the mixed stream and neutralizing the remaining solution.

Abstract: A noise generator is created by having a high pressure gas applied to a Mach 2 nozzle which is combined in an adjustable nozzle assembly with a resonance tube of adjustable length with a closed end forming a Mach disk between them. The resultant compression and expansion shock wave oscillations exit the resonance tube and are propagated between reflecting domes which direct the generated noise around a test article in a housing which contains the generated noise. A muffler includes a water spray chamber and baffled bulkheads to dissipate the generated noise.

Abstract: A symmetry sensing safety circuit for automatically stopping electrical current flow through a thyristor to an electrical device which is supplied by a source of alternating current electrical energy.

Abstract: A fluid detector device and method capable of detecting the presence of a first fluid such as a gas, which may be mixed with a second fluid, in an external atmosphere where the first fluid is a hydrocarbon gas such as methane or the like, mixed with air, a semi permeable membrane, which extends across an opening of a detection chamber is utilized. Air and the gas have different rates of permeability across the membrane causing a volume change in the chamber. A volume sensitive device signals the presence of the gas. A displaceable element is shiftable in response to the volumetric change in the chamber, allowing the change without significant pressure changes. A capacitive plate can be integral with a displaceable element so that capacitance varies with the change in volume caused by the presence of the gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically de-energizing electrically operable equipment in response to a lack of animal activity in a specified environment for predetermined time period. The apparatus of the present invention utilizes a circuit which is designed to detect activity which generates energy in a certain wavelength range and particularly, sonic energy in a certain environment and is responsive to the lack of activity within a certain predetermined time delay period or interval. Thus, if an activity which generates sonic energy is detected within a confined environment within the predetermined time interval, a signal is generated to energize or maintain energization of one or more electrical devices connected to the system of the invention. Contrariwise, if no sonic energy is detected within the predetermined time interval, there is a resultant de-energization of the electrically operable equipment. A control is provided to adjust the predetermined time delay period.