Abstract: An ALC circuit is turned on (S1), a nozzle is shifted to a sampling position (S2), and after the ALC circuit has been turned off (S3), the nozzle is allowed to start discharging air from its tip (S4). While the nozzle is being lowered, the inner pressure of the nozzle is monitored (S5, S6), and upon detection of an increase in the pressure, the discharging process of air and the nozzle lowering process are stopped (S7), while the monitoring of the magnitude of the pressure is continued (S8). When the magnitude of the pressure is being maintained within a permissible range of the change for a predetermined time, it is judged that the tip of the nozzle has come into contact with the true liquid level, and after a suction operation of a sample (S9), the nozzle is raised (S10).

Abstract: An electrically releasable form of hook and loop fastener allows one half of the fastener to release from the other half without applying direct physical force to either half. The hook elements of the fastener are formed of a shape-memory alloy material such as commercially available Ninitol. Release of the hook half of the fastener from the loop half is accomplished by passing an electrical current through the shape-memory alloy material to straighten the hooks so that they release their engagement with the loops. The flow of electricity through the hook half energizes the Ninitol material to change its shape, either expanding or contracting in length; the change in shape is made to act against another length of material that remains fixed in length or changes shape in an opposite direction so as to cause the hook shape to straighten toward a rod shape.

Abstract: A non-fouling liquid level detector and control especially for a sealed system likely to have iron particle contaminants. The device employs a float projecting above the liquid level and bearing above the liquid level a unmagnetized ferromagnetic tell-tale. A magnetic field is generated by a magnet positioned outside the sealed system. The magnetic field extends around the float and tell-tale through a magnetically permeable partition comprising a wall of the sealed system that is positioned between the magnet and the float. The float position is monitored by a magnetic field sensor such as a Hall Effect device positioned adjacent the magnet, outside the sealed system. The sensor responds to the movement of the tell-tale. The output of the sensor is employed to control the monitored liquid level.

Abstract: A multi-point buckle assembly includes a body having a top opening on a top surface, a plurality of side openings, and a plurality of channels, a release button disposed within the top opening, a plurality of main tongues, and a plurality of side tongues, wherein each of the plurality of main tongues is adapted to fit into each of the plurality of side openings and each of the plurality of side tongues is adapted to fit into each of the plurality of channels.

Abstract: A robust rigid block forming a fastener and tamper evident seal attaches a cover to a tote bin. The seal is formed partially into a C-shaped locking device for insertion into aligned bores in the tote bin cover and bin. The C-shaped device is inserted to an insertion position and then displaced to a locking position with the legs of the device overlying the cover and bin members at the bores fastening the cover to the bin and capable of withstanding high shock loads. A locking element connected to the device by a frangible web has a camming surface that engages an edge of the cover for camming the device during insertion of the element in the bores to the insertion position at which time the web is fractured. The element has a flange plate attached to the element body by a weak web for selective removal of the plate. A resilient tang is attached to the element for engaging a mating locking recess in the body for locking the element to the device and to the bin and cover in the insertion position.

Abstract: A strap retainer for a buckle assembly wherein a strap retaining portion defines a slot. One or more teeth are positioned along the strap retaining portion and extend into the slot. At least one tooth is positioned along an inner edge of the strap retaining portion. The buckle assembly may further include a first mating portion and a second mating portion, each having the strap retaining portion, that engage with a centrally-positioned housing.

Abstract: A clasp for bracelet comprising a body whereof one of the sides is fixed to or integral with one of the ends of the bracelet and whereof the opposite side comprises a retaining element cooperating with a coupling member comprised by the other end of the bracelet. A cover is articulated on the clasp body so that it can move relative to the clasp body transversely with respect thereto and to the axis of the bracelet and pivot about a hinge pin parallel to the axis of the bracelet.

Abstract: A cord lock apparatus includes an open-ended housing and a slide member slidably received at least partially in the housing and movable relative to the housing between a cord locking position and a cord releasing position. The slide member includes cord engaging structure that is displaceable relative to the slide member in two generally orthogonal directions. In another embodiment, the cord lock apparatus includes respective openings on the housing and slide member which are substantially aligned when the slide member is in the cord locking position. A lock may be extended through the respective openings to lock the slide member in the cord locking position.

Abstract: A link having snap-fitted parts is provided with selected stones having different appearances to render the link highly versatile. The garment link, for brassieres, lingerie and the like, can use a perfume stone with laser-perforated capillaries communicating with a cavity from which scent may be released and which serves to draw a perfume liquid into the cavity.

Abstract: A fluid level indicating device comprises a transparent tube having a venturi section. A light-weight bead is disposed immediately above the venturi section. The transparent tube has a lower end which extends into a container, which container is to be filled with a liquid. The tube's lower end is positioned at the full level of the container. Air rising through the tube and accelerated in the venturi section will cause the bead to move and indicate when fluid is at the level of the end of the tube in the container. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tube is coupled to a specially designed funnel.