Abstract: A granular superconducting thin film bolometer made by anodizing a thin film of such materials as niobium nitride to form a thin granular film separated by and covered with the anodized oxide. The bolometer is cooled to its superconducting state and electrically connected to a biasing and detecting network. Its temporal response is better than 1 ns.

Abstract: A grain moisture meter and/or a meter for measuring grain bin temperatures, comprises a half-wave pulse oscillator with pulses connecting to the outer shell of a grain container. Pulses pass through the grain and through a central electrode and the signals are amplified and fed to a meter to read the moisture content. A thermistor is in circuit to adjust for variations in temperature of the grain. The device can be adjusted to test grain by three methods. Firstly, it can given an indication of dryness, toughness and dampness to a farmer in the field when combining. Secondly, by use of charts or graphs, it can be used to identify each point on the scale giving an accurate determination of the moisture content of any grade above number four grade and thirdly, by the use of other charts or graphs, accurate readings of any grain grade can be ascertained.

Abstract: An apparatus (10,10') for in situ testing of a smoke detector (12,12') is set forth. A structure (14,14') has either first (28) and second (30) openings (28,30) or a single opening (28') to an interior chamber (22,22'). Air is impelled through the first opening (28) or the single opening (28') into the chamber (22,22') where it is thoroughly mixed with aerosol particles from a spray can (56,56'). The air-aerosol mixture exits the chamber (22,22') via the second opening (30) or the single opening (28') and travels via a wand structure (38,38') to the vicinity of the smoke detector (12,12').

Abstract: A temperature sensing unit produces an output signal commensurate with temperature, the output signal serving as a basis for discriminating a temperature above a predetermined threshold temperature as well as a rising temperature gradient over a predetermined period of time. When a discriminator senses both conditions, a temperature measuring unit begins measuring temperature on the basis of an input from the temperature sensing unit. When the measurement begins, the measuring unit raises the resolution of temperature information from the sensing unit.

Abstract: A flag waving machine for automatically waving a flag in a figure 8 pattern. A rod provides a support for the flag to be waved, this rod being attached to a pitman arm through a universal joint, the rod being pivotally supported in a bushing. The pitman arm is rotatably driven at one end to provide reciprocal motion of the rod, this reciprocal motion being guided in a figure 8 pattern by means of a guide channel. The channel is formed between a figure 8 shaped wall formed on a base member and a pair of spring-urged elliptical guide members which are also shaped and positioned to form a figure 8, the guide members operating to guide the path of the arm in the channel through a figure 8 pattern.

Abstract: A critical temperature indicator is provided utilizing the volume reduction characteristics of organic compounds as they undergo a change from the liquid state to the solid state. A capillary tube sealed at one end contains a first organic compound adjacent the closed end and a second colored organic compound which has a solidification temperature lower than that of the first compound and which is separated from the first compound by a liquid which is immiscible with either the first or the second compounds. The separating liquid also has a solidification temperature lower than that of the first compound. A colorless or white porous plug is located within the separating liquid and frictionally engages the tube to prevent movement of the plug with respect to the tube.

Abstract: Apparatus to indicate the load on a restraining device subject to tensile loading, especially for a safety belt, the restraining device having an opening for communication with a restraining element, such as a seat belt, and being formed of two parts having different tensile strengths. The parts are displaceable with respect to each other upon loading of the restraining device in tension above a predetermined amount and one of the parts is provided with an indicator sign which becomes visible upon such displacement.

Abstract: A critical temperature indicator is provided utilizing the volume reduction characteristics of organic compounds as they undergo a change from the liquid state to the solid state. The bulb and a portion of the capillary tube of a thermometer-like structure contains a colorless organic compound. Another organic compound saturated with a dye, which compound has a solidification temperature lower than that of the colorless compound and which is miscible with the colorless compound, is located in the capillary tube and separated from the colorless compound by a solid, movable plug or a liquid which is immiscible with either the colorless or the dyed compound. The volume of the colorless compound upon solidification is less than the volume of the bulb so that the separating plug or liquid and at least a portion of the dyed compound are drawn into the bulb upon solidification. The dyed compound then mixes with the colorless compound to provide a visual indication that the colorless compound has solidified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved liquid-level indicator. The liquid-level indicator comprises an upstanding tube and a float arranged for vertical movement therein. This float is provided with a permanent magnet which is polarized in a horizontal plane and influences magnetically an array of display elements. These display elements are located outside of the tube. The display elements are rotatably supported and arranged in succession one above the other. Between the display elements and the tube there extends a magnetic strip arranged such that the permanent magnet of the float is oriented towards the display elements. This magnetic strip also pre-tensions the display elements. It is located outside of the tube and at a distance from the float.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hand simulator usable for hand sign or signal. The hand simulator comprises a palm portion of cushiony material and five finger portions of cushiony material integrally extending from the palm portion. The five finger portions are normally extended and spaced at their finger tips. The palm portion has a plurality of holes provided therein. The finger portions are selectively inserted into the corresponding holes to give a manual sign or signal.

Abstract: In a liquid level detector of the type comprising a fixing rod bearing a winding over virtually the whole of its height, an annular float mounted around the rod and bearing at least one conducting blade constantly in contact with the winding, a warning device comprising a conducting rod sliding in a bore made in the float, the bore having its axis substantially parallel to the axis of the fixed rod, the conducting rod comprising a retaining device, and a conducting surface fixed to the lower end of the fixed rod, the arrangement being such that the conducting rod projects downwardly from the float when the level is higher than a determined warning level and comes into contact with the conducting surface when this level is reached, and electrical connections connecting the winding, the conducting surface, the or each conducting blade and the conducting rod to output terminals, the conducting rod extends at its top end in a supple loop made of conducting wire located in a plane substantially perpendicular to th

Abstract: A watering indicator for hanging plants, with two support elements (e.g., an upper hook attached to a tubular housing and a lower hook integral with a rod extending into the housing), a spring resisting separation of the support elements (e.g., located within the housing and surrounding the rod), a mask element connected to one support element and adapted to be moved along that element when the two elements move relative to one another, an indicator element with an indication indicia (e.g., a brightly-colored band) mounted to the other support element, all adapted so that the indication indicia is covered by the mask element when the plant is watered and is later exposed when the plant dries out.

Abstract: A system for measuring transient pore water pressure in the ground utilizes a probe member having a unique arrangement of a pressure sensor and a soil stress isolation filter. The probe member has a body portion with a hollow cavity defined therein. The pressure sensor in the form of a ceramic transducer is mounted in the cavity, and the filter in the form of a circumferential gap formed on the body communicates with the cavity. The filter is also configured for isolating the sensor from effective soil fabric stresses while allowing access to the transducer by pore water pressure. A coupling medium in the form of silicon grease fills the cavity so as to transmit the pore water pressure to the transducer.

Abstract: The player is provided with a pair of spaced apart spine latching members which hook up with an inner record retaining spine as a caddy is inserted into the player so that when the outer jacket is withdrawn, the record/spine assembly is retained inside the player. A caddy overtravel mechanism prevents a selected one of the latching members from latching up the spine until the other latching member is also in position to capture the spine. A rigid coupling member interconnecting the latching members precludes the other latching member from capturing the spine until both latching members are ready to latch up the spine to assure simultaneous latching of the spine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a capacitance level measuring device comprised of a container whose level is to be measured and a probe inserted into and spaced from the container. The capacitance between the probe and container varies in relation to the level in the container. A capacitance measuring circuit determines the capacitance between the probe and container and thus indicates the level in the container. The integrity of the probe is verified by constructing the probe so as to include it in a series circuit, as well as the capacitance measuring circuit, and a lack of continuity in the probe is indicative of questionable probe integrity. The question as to the probe's integrity would indicate a questionable level indication from the capacitance measuring circuit. Various probe constructions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for measuring the level or volume of a fluid within a fluid storage vessel which comprises: a multi-capacitor fluid level sensor formed of a pair of capacitors of fixed and substantially like capacitive value and a pair of capacitors having like open dielectric spaces for receiving varying levels of the fluid within the vessel. The four capacitors of the sensor are connected together to form the four capacitive sides of a Wheatstone bridge circuit. A source of alternating current of constant voltage and set frequency is applied across the bridge circuit to a first set of bridge terminals at opposite corners of the bridge, each of such terminals located between a fixed capacitor and a variable capacitor of the sensor. A detection circuit is connected across the bridge to a second set of bridge terminals (independent of said first set of terminals) and at opposite corners of the bridge, each of such terminals located between a fixed capacitor and a variable capacitor of the sensor.

Abstract: A method for measuring the level or volume of a fluid within a fluid storage vessel which comprises: providing a multi-capacitor fluid level sensor formed of a pair of capacitors of fixed and substantially like capacitive value and two capacitors having like open dielectric spaces for receiving varying levels of the fluid within the vessel and with the fluid in the spaces consisting of a pair of capacitors of variable capacitive value; connecting the four capacitors of the sensor together to form the four capacitive sides of a Wheatstone bridge circuit; applying a source of alternating current of constant voltage and set frequency across the bridge circuit to a first set of bridge terminals at opposite corners of the bridge, each of such terminals located between a fixed capacitor and a variable capacitor of the sensor; interrogating the bridge circuit through a detection circuit connected across the bridge to a second set of bridge terminals independent of said first set of terminals and at opposite corners

Abstract: A knob and skirt assembly for mounting on the end of a control shaft which assembly has a dial which can be calibrated relative to the control shaft. The assembly includes a knob having a handle and a hub. The disc shaped skirt has a central opening adapted to receive the hub and to engage a stop to position the skirt relative to the hub. In one embodiment, tabs are formed on the hub and bent against the skirt to secure the skirt against the stop and to frictionally resist rotation of the hub and skirt relative to each other until a predetermined rotational force is applied to overcome this frictional resistance. In another embodiment, a spring washer is utilized for this purpose. A first set of indicia is applied to the skirt on the handle side thereof along the circumferential periphery of the skirt. A second set of indicia is applied to the skirt on the hub side thereof along the circumferential periphery thereof.

Abstract: A transmission ratio indicator has a lens assembly with a ratio selection indicia imprinted thereon. The transmission selector lever or an indicator associated therewith is selectively movable to various ratios and is aligned with the indicia to indicate the transmission operating condition. The lens assembly is secured in a housing by a resilient member and interengaging toothed portions formed on the lens assembly and housing. The lens assembly toothed portion can be disengaged from the housing toothed portion by displacement of the resilient member through application of a force to the lens assembly. When tooth disengagement has been attained, the lens assembly can be moved in the housing to attain proper alignment of the indicia and the shift lever or indicator. The adjusted position of the lens assembly is maintained by the resilient member enforcing the reengagement of the toothed portions.

Abstract: A dialable indicator comprising a lockable enclosure housing a rotatable drum. The outside surface of the drum is contoured to define a plurality of tag-holding stations. A window in the hinged cover of the enclosure allows viewing of one tag-holding station. The drum is biased by a coil spring against one side of the enclosure which is provided with a restriction against rotation of the drum. The drum must be pushed sideways against the spring before it can be moved to display an alternate tag-holding station. Spare tags can be stored in cavities running longitudinally within the drum. A locking mechanism mounted on the cover provides a restriction against lateral movement of the drum when the cover is closed.