Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor for detecting the degree of deterioration of oil, and more particularly, provides an oil deterioration sensor which can detect the deterioration of oil and/or the liquid surface of oil by utilizing the fact that the sound velocity of ultrasonic waves change according to the alkalinity of the oil, the oil deterioration sensor for determining deterioration characteristics of oil by utilizing ultrasonic waves, which is characterized in that a deterioration sensor reflecting surface for reflecting ultrasonic waves transmitted from an ultrasonic wave transmitting portion is placed in oil so as to detect deterioration of the oil, and characterized by comprising: an oil deterioration detecting portion for evaluating a transmission velocity of an ultrasonic wave in the oil by receiving ultrasonic waves from the aforesaid deterioration sensor reflecting surface and for evaluating a degree of deterioration of oil from said transmission velocity of the oil.

Abstract: An onboard system for use in measuring, computing and displaying the weight and center-of-gravity for aircraft, while keeping aircraft movement to a minimum. Pressure sensors are mounted in relation to each of the landing gear struts. An onboard pump and reservoirs are attached to each of the landing gear struts and are activated by a computer/controller, while landing gear strut pressures are monitored in the determination of strut stiction. The computer/controller calculates the stiction of each landing gear strut and compensates for the pressure distortions caused by landing gear strut stiction. Additional features include reducing strut stiction, measuring landing gear strut fluid levels, monitoring landing gear strut health, weight adjustments for external ice and de-icing fluids, weight adjustments for wind, monitoring aircraft landing gear strut movement.

Abstract: Fluid dispensing apparatus having a loading/stripping plate movable by vertical shafts connected thereto and having a pair of pins on its interior surface for engagement with slots formed on the upper edges of a pipette tray carrier. A standard pipette tip box, with pipette tips therein, is positioned within the tray carrier. When the dispensing apparatus is moved into position on a table about the tray carrier, the loading/stripping plate moves downwardly to engage the tray carrier. The loading/stripping plate is then moved upwardly causing the pipette tips to engage corresponding dispenser cylinders supported in a cylinder plate connected to the shafts. After the pipette tips are loaded to the cylinders, the stripping plate moves downwardly, stripping the pipette tips from the pipette box and returning the tray carrier to the table.

Abstract: Sample focusing method and device for field-flow fractionation techniques that lead to improved detection, improved separation resolution, and a compressed sample plug while permitting a more straightforward quantitation of peaks and reliable large volume injections. The method and technique can be implemented in separations that are performed by a variety of field-flow fractionation techniques, including thermal FFF, electrical FFF, sedimentation FFF, gravitational FFF, dielectric FFF, photophoretic FFF, flow FFF, asymmetric flow FFF, and symmetric flow FFF. The sample focusing device can be integrally built into a separation channel or it can be manufactured as an attachable independent piece.

Abstract: Atmospheric Samplers are disclosed using aerogel filter material. The samplers include one or more cascaded impact sample stations with discs of aerogel as the targets. Ambient air carrying particulate matter is introduced into the sampler and the particles are captured by the aerogel in its pore structure. In certain embodiments, the aerogel filter is next transported to a position where it is fragmented by a spray of water. The fragmented aerogel and the captured particles are transported in the fragmenting water from the sampler for analysis. In one embodiment, the sampler is segmented with alternate nozzle and filter segments for easy assembly, sampling and disassembly for analysis of the captured particles in aerogel filters positions below the nozzles.

Abstract: There is provided a reference gage that has first and second reference planes parallel to one another and perpendicular to a rotational axis of the reference gage, and a distance between the reference planes is already known as a reference distance. To calibrate the measuring head, the measuring direction of the measuring head is set parallel to the rotational axis of the measuring head or the table on which the reference gage is placed, and a reference value of the reference distance on the reference gage is entered. Then, the reference distance is measured by the measuring head to acquire measured data, and a measured value of the reference distance is calculated from the measured data. The measuring head is calibrated so that the measured value accords with the reference value. The time required for calibrating the measuring head is thus reduced.

Abstract: An in situ underground sample analyzing apparatus for use in a multilevel borehole monitoring system is disclosed. A casing assembly comprising a plurality of elongate tubular casings (24) separated by measurement port couplers (26) is coaxially alignable in a borehole (20). The measurement port couplers (26) include an inlet measurement port (70b) for collecting fluid from an underground measurement zone (32) and an outlet measurement port (70a) for releasing fluid into the measurement zone (32). An in situ sample analyzing probe (124) is orientable in the casing assembly. The in situ sample analyzing probe (124) includes inlet and outlet probe ports (148b and 148a) alignable and mateable with the inlet and outlet measurement ports (70b and 70a). The inlet and outlet measurement ports (70b and 70a) typically include valves.

Abstract: A liquid sampler tube of elongate, cylindrical construction has an accordion fold formed along a predetermined extent of its main body so that the liquid sampler tube can be shortened when in storage or in transport and returned to its initial length when ready for use. In a second embodiment, a telescoping construction supplants the accordion fold. In a third embodiment, the elongate main body is formed of a flexible, flat hose material so that it can be rolled into a rolled configuration for storage or transport and unrolled when ready for use. The shortening of the liquid sampler tube enables a greater number of liquid sampler tubes to occupy a given space relative to the number of liquid sampler tubes of standard, unshortened length.

Abstract: When drilling a borehole for an oil well it is desirable to know when fluid is passing through the walls of the borehole between the borehole itself and the formation through which the borehole is passing. It has now been discovered that useful information about the influx or efflux of fluid can be gained by observing the pressure within the borehole in the region of the drilling bit, this observation being carried out not when the drill is actually operating but when it is still (and the pipe string to which it is mounted is also still) and the drilling fluid is not being pumped; the basis for this is that the drilling fluid is thixotropic, and when not disturbed will form a gel which is capable of quite accurately transmitting the force created by moving fluids at the interface between the borehole and the earth formation being drilled through--that is inflowing or outflowing fluids--displacing the drilling fluid along the borehole, and with an efficiency far greater than previously recognized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-contact type inspection system for inspection of test samples being conveyed, using a non-contact type inspection device, to judge the quality of the test samples automatically. The non-contact type inspection system comprises an annular rotary table which is rotated to convey test samples, an inspection device mounting table disposed inside and outside the rotary table, and having a CCD camera and the like as a non-contact type inspection device for inspection of the test samples being mounted on the inspection device mounting table, a rotary head which is supported above the rotary table and rotatably about the rotation center of the rotary table to hold the upper portions of the test samples being conveyed by the rotary table, and an interlocking mechanism for rotating the rotary head in synchronism with the rotary table.

Abstract: A method for testing the stability of installed wooden utility poles in a non-destructive manner, in particular to determine decay caused by fungal growth or insect infestation. A quantity E' that is proportional to the modulus of elasticity E of the utility pole is measured above ground level at at least two different heights which are spaced apart by at least one meter, one height being directly at ground level, by shooting a pin with a defined energy at the utility pole and measuring its deflection when it springs back. The conditions of stability are fulfilled when the quantities E' measured at different heights deviate from one another by less than 30%. The invention enables one to objectively assess the condition of utility poles as well as to quantitatively characterize this condition.

Abstract: A device for calibrating a neutral point of a longitudinal acceleration sensor of a vehicle, having a detector for detecting that the vehicle is running at a speed higher than a predetermined threshold speed, a detector for detecting that the vehicle is not braked beyond a predetermined threshold braking, a detector for detecting that the vehicle is not driven beyond a predetermined threshold traction, and a detector for detecting output of the longitudinal acceleration sensor to provide a deflection of its neutral point when the running detector is detecting that the vehicle is running at a speed higher than the predetermined threshold speed, the braking detector is detecting that the vehicle is not braked beyond the predetermined threshold braking, and the traction detector is detecting that the vehicle is not driven beyond the predetermined traction, respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the rate of flow of liquid through a liquid/air separator having a chamber space provided with at least one liquid/gas inlet duct, at least one gas outlet duct and at least one liquid outlet duct, includes a measuring receptacle disposed in the chamber into which liquid is received from the inlet duct. The measuring receptacle has an inflow compartment located below the inlet duct and receives the liquid from the inlet duct and a measuring compartment partially separated from the inflow compartment by a partition arranged so that liquid is accumulated and slowed in the inflow compartment. The measuring compartment has an outlet above a surface level of liquid in the chamber space. A suitable measuring device measures the quantity of liquid in the measuring compartment.

Abstract: The inventive mechanism has an RF door separate from the drawer of an automatic testing machine fixture. The door is either attached to an adapter which holds a device that is to be tested, or attached to a peripheral portion of the fixture. Consequently, changing the adapter is simplified, and the likelihood of damage to the adapter is lowered. When the drawer is in a closed position, the door meshes with the fixture to provide an RF sealed area for RF testing a device.

Abstract: A determination as to whether or not the absolute value PCHK of the deviation between a detection value PTANK of a pressure sensor and its average value PTANKAVE exceeds a predetermined pressure DLEAKCHK is repeated within a predetermined time TINTVAL. The number of times the absolute value PCHK has exceeded the predetermined pressure DLEAKCHK is measured on a failure determination counter C91BNG. When the value of the counter C91BNG exceeds a determination threshold value 91BJVD, it is determined that the pressure sensor fails (time t10).

Abstract: Disclosed is a calibration method for compensating an offset occurring when parts in an industrial robot are exchanged with new ones. A signal generation part is attached to a moving part of the robot. While the moving part is moving, a signal detection part detects the movement of the signal generation part with a sensor therein, and calibration data are generated on the basis of the detected signals. Preset calibration data are amended using a difference between the generated calibration data and the preset calibration data, so that the offset is compensated.

Abstract: An air sampler having an automatic sample collector changer includes a supply magazine for holding a supply of fresh sample collectors and a receiving magazine for receiving and storing used collectors located aside a sampling station. A transfer mechanism transfers a fresh collector from the supply magazine to the sampling station and a used collector from the sampling station to an entrance of the receiving magazine. An automatic closer or plunger closes the entrance of the receiving magazine following transfer thereto of a used collector. The supply magazine can include an actuator for displacing a stack of sample collectors contained in said magazine. This stack may include interspersed air impervious covers. The transfer mechanism can transfer both a sample collector and a cover to the receiving magazine. Interspersing of covers with used sample collectors in the receiving magazine reduces volitization losses. For the same purpose, the temperature of the receiving magazine can be controlled.

Abstract: An automated work station for testing hydraulic equipment having first hydraulic input and output ports comprising in combination a test cabinet and associated input keyboard and test data display means; a cabinet having associated second hydraulic input and output ports to be coupled to the first ports; circuitry within the cabinet and connected with the keyboard to control display of hydraulic parameters to be tested, the circuitry having inputs to be electrically connected with selectable groups of terminals corresponding to selected hydraulic equipment to be tested, and there being a characteristic control circuit for each hydraulic equipment to be tested, each characteristic control circuit being connectable with circuitry in the cabinet.

Abstract: A method for determining a volume change of a viscous liquid during a physical or chemical process is disclosed. The volume change of the viscous liquid is determined by confining a layer of a viscous liquid on a portion of a rigid body and then measuring the linear (one dimensional) displacement of a planar surface formed thereon, as the viscous liquid undergoes the physical or chemical process. The surface of the layer of the viscous liquid is planar relative to the rigid body.

Abstract: Manifold systems and methods for delivering samples of microelectronic device processing gases to gas analyzers include a first passage that receives microelectronic device processing gas from a gas source and discharges the gas at a set pressure through a second passage to a selected gas analyzer. A third passage supplies low-pressure cleaning gas to clean the first and second passages. Multiple gas sources can be connected to multiple gas analyzers via a single manifold system. Steps for distributing semiconductor device processing gas from a gas source to a gas analyzer include purging the first and second passages with low-pressure cleaning gas to remove contaminants. After removing the low-pressure gas from the first and second passages, the first and second passages are isolated from each other and a semiconductor processing gas is discharged from a gas source into the isolated first passage.