Abstract: An inventory control system includes an inventory control probe, inventory control module, a docking station, a collar clip, and an inventory control collar used on a storage container. The inventory control collar includes a first conductive ring exposed on the top of the collar electrically connected to a memory and a second conductive ring exposed on the top of the collar and electrically connected to the memory. The inventory control probe includes a probe tip and a first pair of contact pins disposed on the probe tip at a predetermined distance apart such that the contacts concurrently contact the conductive rings of the inventory control collar. A probe body housing is connected at a first end to the probe tip, and a pair of data transfer terminal contacts are disposed on a bottom portion of the probe body housing. A handle is connected at a second end to the probe body housing.

Abstract: Semiconductor piezoresistive sensors are fabricated by a process that includes plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition and selective laser recrystallization. An insulating dielectric layer is first vapor deposited on a flexible substrate. A layer of highly resistive, doped semiconductor material is then deposited over the insulating layer. Metal contacts for the as yet to be formed piezoresistive sensor are deposited at selected locations on the semiconductor layer. Optionally, a passivating layer is then deposited over the semiconductor layer. Through selective laser annealing, portions of the semiconductor layer between selected metal contacts are recrystallized to a preselected resistance to form piezoresistive sensor elements. The non-annealed portions of the semiconductor layer remain to act as insulators between adjacent formed sensor elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the pressure to the bonnet of a pressure regulator, wherein two solenoid valves in combination with a buffer tank and a microprocessor to control the solenoid valves. When the pressure within the regulator bonnet exceeds a specified maximum value, one of the solenoid valves opens to allow the control pressure going to the regulator bonnet to be decreased. When the pressure in the regulator bonnet falls below a preset minimum value, the other solenoid valve opens to allow increased control pressure to enter the regulator and raise the regulator bonnet pressure to the level required.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pressure regulator to control the flow of gases through the regulator and control the escape of gases from the regulator base to the regulator bonnet. The pressure regulator contains a flexible rubber diaphragm contacting a flexible diaphragm plate. The flexible diaphragm plate flexes upward or downward in response to changes in the control pressure and engages a pintle valve that controls the entry of gases to the pressure regulator. A system of chambers and passages controls the escape of gases by funneling escaped gases from a catch chamber to an exhaust port.

Abstract: A pressure responsive apparatus having a flow-through element provides indications of measured pressure. The apparatus preferably includes a pressure gauge having a flow-through Bourdon tube responsive to an external pressure. The flow-through Bourdon tube drives a conventional pointer indicator and further supports a reflective target that is positioned in response to pressure applied to the Bourdon tube. Light is transmitted to the target by means of fiber optic cables from a remotely positioned oscillator. Light is reflected by the target and transmitted by fiber optic cables to processing circuitry that responds to reflected light signals as generated by the oscillator. To generate these light signals, light emitting diodes form a light source and the light signals are detected by means of phototransistors. A reference target is also provided along with a second light source/light detector pair.

Abstract: In the measurement of fluid flow, the generation of a linearly varying signal and a pulsation free display are provided by a flow responsive indicator having digit displays for numerically indicating the rate of measured flow. The digit displays are driven in accordance with a measured flow signal applied to circuitry for generating an updated display signal from a previous display signal and the current value of the measured flow signal. This analog updated display signal is converted into a digital signal for driving circuitry connected to each of the digit displays. The measured flow signal applied to the indicator is generated at a flow transmitter including a transducer, such as a Hall effect element. This transducer generates a signal varying with flow in response to movement of a vane mounted in proximity thereto.

Abstract: A pressure responsive apparatus having an encoded disc provides preselected pressure indication. The apparatus preferably includes a pressure gauge having a Bourdon tube responsive to an external pressure. The Bourdon tube drives a conventional pointer indicator which has mounted thereto the encoded disc. Light is transmitted to the disc by means of fiber optic cables from a remotely positioned oscillator. Light if reflected by the disc at the preselected pressures and transmitted by fiber optic cables to processing circuitry that responds to reflected light signals as generated by the oscillator. To generate these light signals, light emitting diodes form a light source and the light signals are detected by means of phototransistors. For apparatus detecting two preselected pressures, there is a light source/light detector pair for each pressure. The processing circuitry responding to the outputs of the phototransistors generates visual indications of the preselected pressures.

Abstract: In the measurement of fluid flow, the generation of a linearly varying signal and a pulsation free display are provided by a flow responsive indicator having digit displays for numerically indicating the rate of measured flow. The digit displays are driven in accordance with a measured flow signal applied to circuitrry for generating an updated display signal from a previous display signal and the current value of the measured flow signal. This analog updated display signal is converted into a digital signal for driving circuitry connected to each of the digit displays. The measured flow signal applied to the indicator is generated at a flow transmitter including a transducer, such as a Hall effect element. This transducer generates a signal varying with flow in response to movement of a vane mounted in proximity thereto.

Abstract: A pressure responsive apparatus having a Hall-effect detector is described. The apparatus preferably includes a pressure gauge having a Bourdon tube responsive to an external pressure. The Bourdon tube has mounted thereto a pair of magnets supported on, or attached to, an end thereof for generating a low power, magnetic flux field. The Hall-effect detector is mounted in proximity to the pair of magnets and generates an output voltage having values corresponding to movement of the magnets with respect to the detector. A processing circuit receives the output voltage from the Hall-effect detector, and in response thereto generates a plurality of output signals proportional to the sensed pressure variations in the Bourdon tube.

Abstract: A condition responsive apparatus is provided including a pressure gauge having a Bourdon tube expandable in response to an external pressure. In the preferred embodiment, an optical coupler, including a solid state light source and a detector, is mounted in proximity to a vane attached to the Bourdon tube. As the Bourdon tube flexes with increased pressure, the vane passes between the light source and the detector, thus blocking the radiation from the light source. The detector includes a Darlington amplifier which forms part of a voltage divider network for connecting an output signal from the Darlington amplifier to a pulse generating circuit. In operation, when the vane connected to the Bourdon tube passes between the light source and the detector, the pulse generating circuit responds to an increased voltage across the output of the voltage divider and is thus triggered to turn on a control transistor.

Abstract: A valve (10) is interconnected in a flow line to control the downstream pressure by means of a relatively low pressure control device such as a block and bleed valve coupled to a control port (28). An activating piston (54) is moveable within a piston chamber (32) for activating a ball valve (44) to interconnect an outlet port (22) with an inlet port (20). In a manual reset mode, a pressurized fluid at a reset port (26) enters a regulator chamber (38). From the regulator chamber (38), the fluid flows through a passage between an annulus (42) and an extension tube (62) into the piston chamber (32) and acts against the activating piston (54). As fluid enters the piston chamber (32), the pressure acting against the activating piston (54) increases and moves the piston upward to activate the ball valve (44).

Abstract: A fluid pressure gauge type pressure responsive gauge drive having a drive to a sensor controller system with sensor controllers actuatingly engaged at respective adjusted pressure limits with gauge movement travel unimpeded by sensor controller contact in the range of movement between sensor controller pressure limit position settings. The drive may be connected to drive a fluid pressure gauge needle over an indicating dial and upper and lower pressure limit setting needles are adjustable to desired settings over the indicating dial. Calibration structures are provided for a coordinated setting of the gauge dial drive and in the drive of the sensor controller system calibrating each gauge structure for the "C" type bourdon tube installed.

Abstract: A compensating bladder (30) for use in a pressure measuring device (10) for sensing pressure generated at a source. Pressure measuring device (10) includes a pressure responsive element (14) and pressure responsive structure (16) mounted within housing (12) for providing indications of pressures encountered at the source. The pressure responsive element (14) is connected by means of a socket (18), having an access opening (20), to the fluid source and for permitting pressure change to be sensed by the pressure responsive element (14). Compensating bladder (30) is disposed within the socket 18 to isolate pressure responsive element (14) from the fluid or gas entering the socket (18) and for forming a pressure transmitting chamber (66) that may be filled with a fluid. Compensating bladder (30) includes a generally longitudinal portion (44) and an integrally connected generally cylindrical portion (32).

Abstract: A fluid pressure gauge type pressure responsive gauge drive having a drive to a sensor controller system with sensor controllers actuatingly engaged at respective adjusted pressure limits with gauge movement travel unimpeded by sensor controller contact in the range of movement between sensor controller pressure limit position settings. The drive may be connected to drive a fluid pressure gauge needle over an indicating dial and upper and lower pressure limit setting needles are adjustable to desired settings over the indicating dial. Calibration structures are provided for a coordinated setting of the gauge dial drive and in the drive of the sensor controller system calibrating each gauge structure for the "C" type bourdon tube installed.