Abstract: The system comprises at least one electronic sensor for detecting the presence of moisture. The system further comprises at least one reading device for obtaining information from the sensor about the presence of moisture. The sensor comprises a resonant circuit which is at least partly formed from a moisture sensitive material, the electrical resistance of which increases when the material comes into contact with moisture. The reading device comprises transmitter-receiver means for generating an elecromagnetic interrogation field.

Abstract: A dedicated liquid level detection method having a sensor positioned into the casing of a groundwater well. The detector is in the form of an elongated thin film sensor tape that extends along the fill length of the well casing which detects the level, thickness and volume of both groundwater and any light or dense non-aqueous phase liquid that may be present. This is accomplished through the use of a conductive and hydrostatic resistive circuit measuring the level of liquids in a groundwater well at one hundredths of foot resolution or greater. Once the elongated sensor is installed, liquid levels can be gauged from the surface. The data is stored using a battery operated hand held digital display temporarily connected at the top well section casing. Since a sensor probe is not lowered into the well, cross contamination between wells is eliminated.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for moving a sensor over a workpiece includes a sensor, and an actuating member. The sensor, such as a non-destructive test sensor, is carried by the actuating member, and the actuating member is at least partially disposed within a housing. The actuating member is adapted for automated movement in one direction, and the housing may be configured to be grasped by an operator and manually moved in another direction. As such, the sensor may automatically move in one direction with respect to the workpiece without manual intervention, and manually move in another direction, such that the sensor is moved by the combination of automated and manual movement. In addition, the actuating member may have at least two substantially parallel arms extending from near the sensor, which permits the sensor to slide along the workpiece while maintaining a substantially normal relationship to a surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A capacitive fill level measurement device with a fill level sensor having a plurality of sensor fields, electrical wires for electrically connecting the plurality of sensor fields to a multipole side of a selector switch, and a power supply and evaluation circuit electrically connected to a monopole side of the selector switch. The capacitive fill level measurement device can be made with simple production technology and thus economically for a host of different applications using a matrix of printed conductors which extend vertically and horizontally such that each horizontally extending printed conductor on one side is connected to one sensor field and on the other side connected to a vertically extending printed conductor. Each horizontally extending printed conductor is connected with a respective vertically extending printed conductor to form an electrical line or a part of an electrical line.

Abstract: In a method for checking the tightness of a tank-venting system of a vehicle, one tightly closes the tank by means of a blocking device after shutting off the vehicle. Thereafter, one detects the pressure, which develops in the tank system, with a pressure sensor and draws a conclusion as to a leak based on the pressure trace over time. An arrangement for checking the tightness in accordance with this method is suggested.

Abstract: An apparatus rotates a sample to facilitate an accurate analysis of the sample. The apparatus includes a sample stage on which a plurality of samples are supported, a rotatable cap and a linearly movable plate for placing a selected one of the samples at an analysis position, and a rotating stage that supports the sample stage, rotatable cap and movable plate. The rotating stage is rotatable about an axis of rotation that intersects the analysis position. Once the selected sample is placed at the analysis position by the rotation of the cap and the linear movement of the plate, the selected sample is rotated by the rotating stage. The analysis process can be selectively or sequentially carried out with respect to the plurality of samples with a high degree of efficiency and without the associated drive mechanisms experiencing high loads.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting a representative sample of water, oil and sediment from a container. The apparatus is a container closure having a tube extending therethrough, such that fluids can be extracted from any closed container through the tube when closed by the closure. The tube has a first end and a second end. The first end is open to the flow of fluids and the second end is closed. Several radial inlet ports are position at spaced intervals along the tube between the closure and the second end of the tube. Fluids from the container enter the tube at several levels through different ones of the inlet ports, thereby providing a more representative sample.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for automatically setting a threshold for a point level device without having a user select whether a point level element is covered or uncovered. A first and second value is measured from a point level element. Whether the point level element is covered or uncovered is determined based on whether the second measured value has increased or decreased with respect to the first measured value. A threshold value is determined based on at least one of the first and second measured values.

Abstract: Pumps and valves with movable parts, such as a plunger, typically have seals around the part. The seals may isolate one chamber from another to prevent leakage across the seals. The pressure in one chamber may be different from the pressure in another adjacent chamber, thereby creating a pressure differential across the seal. When the seal is working properly, the pressures in the adjacent chambers remain constant approximately. However, when a seal leaks, pressure will leak across the seal. As such, the chamber with the lower pressure will show an increase in pressure due to seal leakage. Thus, monitoring pressure changes in the chamber with low pressure, or pressure differentials between chambers, serves as an indicator for leakage across the seal and impending seal failure.

Abstract: To provide an evaluation of the remaining life (level of insulation degradation) of wire in an installation, a kit-based approach avoids the need for technical personnel to visit a customer location. The kit includes equipment and instructions for selecting specimens for removal, capturing pre-removal information, removing the specimens, and sending the specimens for evaluation. A round form padded with protective material simplifies packing of the specimens while avoiding customer damage to the specimens. Accelerated aging testing and comparison between results for specimens from zones particularly susceptible to aging and one or more reference specimens permits an evaluation of remaining wire life.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing ultralow moisture permeation through a sample such as a thin barrier film by exposing one surface of a sample to be tested for moisture permeation to a predetermined humidity of HTO. The HTO permeating therethrough is collected in a stream of dry gas, preferably methane, at a known flow rate, and monitored for its radioactivity content. Monitoring over a period of time and appropriate conversion allows accurate assessment of even permeation rates measured as very low fractions of a gram of water per square meter per day.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a segmented cylindrical tide staff system [11] for erection at remote areas for dynamic calibration of electronic tide meters and computer models of tides, said tide staff system consisting of plurality of cylindrical tubes [12], said cylindrical tube being coupled to a flange [13] at its end through a circular orthogonal hole [20] drilled on a flat surface of the flange, said flange being provided with plurality of equally spaced slots [15] drilled on the flat surface of the flange, an outwardly protruding tide indicating arm [14] being mounted on the flange wherein said tide indicating arm consists of two mutually orthogonal planes [22] and [23], wherein plane [22] is perpendicular to the axis of the tide staff and plane [23] is parallel to the axis of the tide staff, said perpendicular plane [22] being provided with a mounting terminal [21] and a circular

Abstract: A method for determining the viscosity of a fluid flowing through a system at any point in the system whereby the method involves determining a characteristic relationship for the fluid between viscosity and shear rate; obtaining a shear rate of the fluid as it moves through at least one position in the system; and determining the viscosity of fluid at the at least one position by applying the shear rate to the characteristic relationship. Where the system is the circulatory system of a living being, the method includes determining a viscosity-shear rate relationship unique to that individual. Furthermore, the method further entails determining the actual viscosities and shear rates being experienced in selected blood vessels of the living being.

Abstract: A method for predicting scale deposition in a general environment has been discovered which involves providing a localized environment where scale would preferentially form, where the localized environment is adjacent the general environment. Monitoring the deposition of scale in the localized environment is performed for the purpose of taking preemptive action to prevent scale deposition in the general environment once scale begins to form, or a certain threshold is reached. Scale is removed from the localized environment so that monitoring can be performed by the probe again. Preemptive action will often be the introduction of a scale inhibiting agent into the general environment. An apparatus for practicing the method of predicting and preventing scale deposition in a general environment is also described.

Abstract: A method for determining the in-situ effective mobility of hydrocarbons in a formation layer, in which a formation test tool, having a fluid analyzer, induces sample fluid to flow from the formation, the sample being analyzed and discarded where it includes fluid from the invaded zone, so as to perform the pressure test on uncontaminated formation fluid.

Abstract: A recuperator core has a plurality of passages sealingly formed therein. In use, a fluid passes through a respective one of the plurality of passages under pressure. The recuperator core must be tested to determine an operational efficiency or leakage within the respective plurality of passages. A pair of sealing mechanisms are positioned at a respective one a pair of ends of the respective one of the plurality of passages. A pressure or a vacuum is pulled across the respective ones of plurality of passages and a rate of leakage or decay rate is monitored to define an operational recuperator core and a failed recuperator core.

Abstract: A process to determine aerosol particles in gaseous samples, specifically in the exhaust of diesel motors, includes the at least indirect deposit of aerosol particles on a piezoelectric oscillating crystal and the determination of the oscillation parameters of the piezoelectrically stimulated oscillation of the crystal. In order to assure the required reproducibility reliably and independently of the type of aerosol particles, and thus to achieve a high quality of measurements, the piezoelectric crystal is charged to oscillation during less than half the period of deposit of aerosol particles.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for vaporizing injections of samples into a gas chromatography analysis device, comprising a vaporization chamber elongated lengthways and heated, as well as a syringe equipped with a needle, the device being of the type in which the introduction of the sample is carried out without prior vaporization of the sample within the needle, and also foresees at least one stop and vaporization means for the liquid inside the vaporization chamber. To improve the conditions of vaporization and the transfer of the sample, the distance between the free end of the needle and the stated stop and vaporization means for the liquid is greater than 55 mm (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A pressure test cap includes a mounting collar with an outer rib to limit depth of insertion of the cap into a pipe. A closure disc which seals the mounting collar is connected to the collar through an inner rim by a weakened ring. An outer rim section registers with the inner rim so that impacts to the outer rim are transferred to the weakened ring to separate the disc from the collar. The closure disc includes a centrally positioned nipple for connection of a conduit of a pressurized test fluid source. The nipple is closed by a break-away nipple plug. The nipple plug has a centrally located indentation for piercing to bleed trapped air from the system and resealing by a screw.

Abstract: A malfunction detection device of a bellows type accumulator for pressurized fluid includes malfunction judgment unit for judging a malfunction of the bellows type accumulator on the basis of a detection output of the pressure sensor. The malfunction judgement unit judges that the malfunction of the seal member generates when the difference between a peak pressure value appeared before a predetermined time is past after the starting of the pressure increase from a value below a predetermined value in the inlet and outlet port and a stable fluid pressure appeared after the appearance of the peak pressure value is not within a predetermined range and/or when the peak pressure value does not appear before the progress of the predetermined time.