Abstract: An automatic titration system and method in which the titrant is generated electrolytically and a two-position slider type ceramic sample valve, reliably, accurately and repetitively obtains a volumetric sample from a process loop and introduces it to a titration cell containing a generator or working compartment and an auxiliary compartment separated by a porous frit. The system also includes a two-position slider type ceramic reagent valve for introducing reagent into the titration cell. Titrant created at a generator electrode surface is dispersed into the bulk of the solution by a magnetically coupled impeller in the working compartment which mixes and also pumps the contents of the cell through the reagent and sample valves in a closed loop. Generator and auxiliary electrodes are connected to a current source which provides the electrolysis current.

Abstract: A positioning device for controlling a member such as a pen of a chart recorder, wherein the positioning motion is produced by a wire formed of temperature-responsive material (Nitinol) exhibiting a martensitic transformation which contracts the wire when its temperature is increased within a predetermined temperature range, and relaxes the wire when cooled within that range. The wire is maintained under tension by a spring having a negative spring-rate. This spring cooperates with internally generated forces and the elasticity of the wire material to produce contraction/expansion length changes of the wire in response to changes in its temperature. Electrical circuitry for controlling the wire temperature is disclosed, and includes means for inductively developing a frequency-modulated pulse-current through the wire.

Abstract: Signal-processing apparatus for use with industrial instrumentation systems and the like, and comprising memory means to maintain a signal level for long time periods without drift. An input signal level is translated into the positioning of a movable member, through the use of an actuator motor controlled by the input signal and a position feedback signal. A friction device is coupled to the movable member to hold it in any given position, thereby to serve as a memory for the input signal level. The friction device comprises a thin vane-like element which is secured to the movable member and disposed in the air-gap of a permanent magnet. The air-gap also includes a mass of tiny magnetizable particles which, under the influence of the magnetic field, engage the surfaces of the vane-like element to develop a frictional restraining force.

Abstract: An all-pneumatic process chromatograph having a pneumatically-actuated sample-injection valve, an orifice connected in the column output line to develop a pressure signal corresponding to fluid density, a pneumatic amplifier for strengthening the pressure signal, and pneumatically-operated control means for developing a periodic sample-valve actuating signal and for selecting a particular peak of interest at a controllable time following injection of the sample. The pneumatic control means includes means automatically operable to adjust the time of peak selection in response to changes in actual peak elution time. The temperature-sensitive elements of the apparatus are contained in a chamber which is heated by a source of steam heat, with the rate of heat transfer being regulated pneumatically to maintain a relatively constant temperature within the chamber.

Abstract: A flame ionization detector adapted for use in hazardous areas and for mounting in any attitude, capable of using as small a flame as can be dependably maintained because of an arrangement of the flame at the open end of a thin-walled small diameter tubular electrode inside a relatively long open ended cylindrical collector and the regulation of the rates of flows which make it possible to maximize the sensitivity of the detector to the presence of an organic vapor. Excess air is maintained at a predetermined minimum. The inside diameter of the collector is made approximately twice the visible diameter of the widest point of the flame. A curtain of air flowing at a predetermined rate through the annular passage between the electrode and collector is directed into encompassing contact with the flame and the proximity of the collector to the flame maintains a relatively dense ion bearing layer of gases at the surface of the collector.

Abstract: A pneumatic output signal limiting device utilizing a planar-type construction having a balance beam with a passage extending through the area of its pivotal axis to provide communication between side-by-side chambers and arranged so that the balance beam moves into contact with a valve in the output chamber to close the passage and further movement in the same direction open a vent. In operation, the output signal equals the input signal when the input signal is within one limit of a preselected output signal operating range. When the input signal equals the limit, the passage is closed and the output signal is maintained equal to the limit. The passage remains closed when the input is outside the limit and the output signal is maintained equal to the limit until the input signal is a preselected value outside the limit. Then the balance beam moves in the same direction to open the vent and reduce the output signal to the vent pressure.

Abstract: A vortex-shedding flow-sensing instrument comprising a flat-faced vortex-generating plate integral with a downstream sensor-bar having flat sides set back laterally with respect to the rows of vortices shed from the edges of the vortex-generating plate. The side surfaces of the plate are tapered inwardly at a moderate angle, and extend down a short distance to rear surfaces at right angles with respect to the direction of fluid flow. The downstream end of the sensor bar comprises a tail piece the side surfaces of which are tapered inwardly at a moderate angle, and extend downstream a short distance to a rear surface perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow.The sensor bar carries on oil-filled capsule having as side walls a pair of flexible diaphragms effectively in the plane of the sensor-bar side surfaces. These diaphragms transmit alternating vortex pressure pulses interiorly of the capsule to a sensing element in the form of a ceramic disc having piezo-electric properties.

Abstract: An industrial process control system including a digital computer arranged in a time-share configuration to perform calculations respecting a plurality of process conditions, and to produce corresponding command signals for respective process operators such as valves and the like. The system includes an operator's console unit having a CRT display controlled by a local memory controllable by a keyboard, and by the computer in response to action from the keyboard. Special process-oriented displays can be presented on the CRT, such as fill-in-the-blanks forms into which the operator can insert new values, or other information. The keyboard includes a number of distinctive function keys which serve, in cooperation with the special CRT displays, to present information to the computer for processing, to aid in controlling the process.

Abstract: A deviation meter, responding to a deviation signal, is mounted on a turntable which rotates in response to a set point adjustment. Rotation of the turntable maintains the null position of the deviation meter pointer at a scale position corresponding to a set point value, so that a direct readout of the actual measurement value is provided.

Abstract: Flow-metering apparatus of the vortex-shedding type wherein an obstruction in a flowing fluid develops a series of vortices which are sensed by a pressure-responsive piezo-electric element to produce an alternating voltage having a frequency corresponding to the fluid flow rate. The piezo-electric voltage signal is processed by electronic circuitry to provide for precise detection of the zero-crossings of the voltage alternations. The resulting frequency signal controls the charge/discharge characteristics of a set of capacitors, with the average charging current corresponding in magnitude to the frequency of vortex shedding. This average current controls an output amplifier in a feedback arrangement to produce a relatively high-powered d-c flow signal over a two-wire transmission line leading to a remote station. In another arrangement, a high-powered pulsating flow signal is developed for transmission over a three-wire transmission line leading to a remote station.

Abstract: A positioning device for controlling a member such as a pen of a chart recorder, wherein the positioning motion is produced by a wire formed of temperature-responsive material (Nitinol) exhibiting a martensitic transformation which contracts the wire when its temperature is increased within a predetermined temperature range, and relaxes the wire when cooled within that range. The wire is maintained under tension by a spring having a negative spring-rate. This spring cooperates with internally-generated forces and the elasticity of the wire material to produce contraction/expansion length changes of the wire in response to changes in its temperature. Electrical circuitry for controlling the wire temperature is disclosed, and includes means for inductively developing a frequency-modulated pulse-current through the wire.