Abstract: An overpressure protective device for passively blocking flow of gas at a selected pressure setpoint includes a valve, a valve stem, and vacuum-filled bellows coupled to the valve stem. The vacuum-filled bellows are configured such that expansion and/or contraction of the bellows as a result of pressure changes present at the valve are harnessed to passively move the valve stem to operate the valve and block pressures higher than a preconfigured pressure setpoint. If the process pressure drops below the pressure setpoint, the overpressure protective device operates the valve to again permit flow of pressurized gas through the valve.

Abstract: Sets of communication modules each have a pair of ring-channel ports for a ring-configured channel in a network, a peripheral device port for peripheral device data, and dual-ring ports for an inter-ring channel for the pair of modules. First and second ones of a set of communication modules send duplicate data packets on their respective first and second rings. Responsive to duplicate data packets arriving via the rings at first and second modules in a next set within a predetermined time interval of one another, each of the next modules transmits its ring-channel received data packet out a downstream ring-channel port. Responsive to one of the duplicate packets arriving at the DRP of a module a predetermined time interval before arriving at a ring-channel port of the module, the module sends the corresponding packet received at the DRP out its other ring-channel port and its peripheral device port.

Abstract: Communication modules are coupled in a communication ring and are operable to send and receive data from peripheral devices. The modules are operable to send and receive data streams on paths of the ring, and each module is operable, responsive to receiving a predetermined initialization signal, to operate as a master for initially blocking data in the first path and initially sending a block signal to a neighboring module downstream in the second path. The modules are operable, responsive to receiving the block signal in one of the paths, to block data in that one of the paths, so that responsive to initialization of one of the modules as a master, the master and the neighboring module create an inactive virtual link therebetween in order to prevent data from propagating around the ring more than once.

Abstract: A temperature sensor sheath (12) includes at least one stress concentrating structure (30) and preferably a plurality of such structures spaced apart along the length of the sheath (12). Each stress concentrating structure (30) produces a severe stress riser when the sheath (12) is subjected to a bending moment and allows the sheath (12) to be broken easily by applying a bending force back and forth. The stress concentrating structures (30) each preferably comprise a groove (32) formed or cut into the sheath material around the perimeter of the sheath (12).

Abstract: A temperature sensing device (30) includes a temperature sensor (36) in a sensor position within a sensor receiving opening (42) in an elongated sheath (32). An elongated sensor positioning member (38) and a sensor securing arrangement (50) work in unison to releasably fix the temperature sensor (36) in the sensor position at a closed end of the elongated sheath (32). An attachment structure attaches the elongated sheath (32) to a structure (29) such that a closed end (46) of the sheath extends into a medium to be sensed. Preferably, the securing arrangement (50) includes a lug (54) extending from the elongated sheath (32) at an open end (44) of the sheath.

Abstract: A deicing apparatus includes a heat source for producing deicing heat at one location on the body of an object and a heat distributing arrangement for distributing the deicing heat to one or more surface areas to be deiced. The heat distributing arrangement comprises thin strips or channels of heat distributing material having a heat conductivity greater than that of the material from which the remainder of the object is formed. One end or a portion of each strip or channel of the heat distributing material is in contact with the heat source itself or in contact with a highly heat conductive potting material in which the heat source is set. Another portion of each strip or channel of heat distributing material preferably forms a portion of one of the surface areas to be deicd.

Abstract: A temperature sensor probe is provided with a series of flow channels for deflecting a fluid to be sensed as it flows over the surface of the probe. The flow channels reduce the separation of flow from the surface of the probe thereby increasing the convective heat transfer of the probe and improving the time response of the probe. The temperature sensor probe includes a temperature sensing element housed in a probe housing. In channels are formed on the outer surface of the probe housing. In the preferred form of the invention, the housing is cylindrically shaped and the flow channels extend around the entire circumference of the housing in a spiral fashion so as to form a helical shape extending substantially the entire length of the probe housing.

Abstract: A multi-level sealing method wherein an electrical element to be sealed is heated. Once heated, a quick curing first seal is applied to the electrical element thereby preventing the introduction of moisture, and other elements, into an electrical element as the seal cures. A second seal is applied, over the first seal and the element, that is high temperature and slow curing. As a result, the second seal has a different grain structure and the likelihood of a common moisture path into the electrical element is substantially eliminated. Therefore, once the high temperature, slow curing, second seal has cured, the reintroduction of moisture into the electrical element is prohibited. Additional layers of sealant may be added, if desired.