Abstract: A distance measuring device for measuring the fill level in industrial tanks, which includes electronic transmitting- and receiving elements for short wave electromagnetic waves, such as microwaves, and a cylindrical waveguide which extends through a separating wall and inside of which is a waveguide window separating the two spaces and made of a material, such as quartz glass, which is transmissive with respect to electromagnetic waves. The waveguide and the waveguide window (3) have conically-shaped sections (5) to provide axial support. To protect the waveguide window against destruction due to thermal expansions and pressure fluctuations, the conical section (5) of the waveguide window (3) is in a correspondingly formed conical socket (8). The socket is mounted with play in a cylindrical bore (9) of the waveguide window (3) and is supported by a shoulder (10) of the waveguide in the axial direction.

Abstract: The fixed-direction jet units (1) of a whirlpool-bath system each include a nozzle (18) for supplying water under pressure from a tube-section (17) to an outlet (12) across an air gap (20) within a chamber (19). The unit (1) is clamped to the bath-wall (14) between a flange (16) of the outlet (12) and the unit housing (15). The flow of water from the nozzle (18) across the gap (20) into the axially-aligned stem (13) of the outlet (12) draws air into the chamber (19) from an inlet pipe (21) that is coupled to a distribution manifold (7) of an air-supply controller (9) by an individual supply tube (8). A circumferential skirt (22) projects backwardly from the stem (13) to shroud the gap (20) over a frusto-conical nose-part (23) of the nozzle (18), so that air is constricted to enter the gap (20) through the annular space (24) between them.

Abstract: A three wire potentiometric liquid level sensor for measuring liquid levels in a container is disclosed. The sensor includes a conductive strip, a float, a contact means attached to the float, a resistive strip, and a conductive rod buried beneath an insulator. A second embodiment of the invention includes a first conductive strip, a second conductive strip, a float, a contact means attached to the float, and an insulating rod. The sensor produces a resistance directly proportional to the liquid level in the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting the bonding between a cell structure having a multiplicity of cells which are open at one end and bonded at an opposite end to a substrate are disclosed. The apparatus includes a heater and nozzle arrangement for directing a fluid, such as heated air, having a selected temperature, substantially different from ambient, into the open ends of the cell structure to cause a change in the temperature of the cell structure and radiance therefrom. A sensor is provided for sensing the temperature of the cell structure along the extent thereof or a detector may be provided for detecting the radiance along the cell structure.

Abstract: A handheld sign having printing and shape suggestive of certain activities, such as a "stop" sign, and further having at least two lights in which only a single light is illuminated at any one time. The flashing between the lights provides added attention getting capability and hence more safety. The lights are powered by a battery pack which is preferably rechargeable through normal household current, a solar radiation collecting apparatus mounted onto the sign, or via an automobile cigarette lighter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for advancing a tape at a constant, high speed. Two detectors are provided for detecting values representative of the rotational periods of the reels at both low and high tape advance speeds. A calculator is included for determining particular arithmetic functions of these values. A comparator is also provided, which has a memory for storing a parameter dependent on a particular arithmetic function of values representative of low speed rotational periods of the reels. The comparator is provided for comparing the results of a particular arithmetic function of values representative of high speed rotational periods of the reels with the parameter and for outputting an error signal for adjusting the tape advance speed to maintain a constant, high speed.

Abstract: A probe for monitoring a liquid level has a one-piece insulation sheath extended within the probe casing and positioned far beyond the end of a contact pressure spring that is removed from the liquid. This contact pressure spring has an associated spring abutment formed by either a sleeve or a cap surrounding the insulation sheath. In the probe casing, lengthy sections of insulation are present such that functional interferences are avoided. The probe casing has large-dimensioned ventilation apertures for preventing moisture films.

Abstract: An oil level indicator having an oil container and an indicator tube extending therefrom. The indicator tube is inserted through a dip stick tube of an engine into the oil pan.

Abstract: A shock sensor is able to detect an externally applied acceleration. A weight is fixed to a first end of a first supporting member. The weight is rotatably movable about an opposite end of the supporting member. A second supporting member, having an indicating portion, is provided under the first supporting member. A spring member is integrally formed with the second supporting member so as to hold the second supporting member either at an upper position to support the weight or at a lower position where a predetermined acceleration is detected. Whether or not the shock sensor has detected that an acceleration exceeding the predetermined value has been applied to the sensor is indicated by the position of the indicating portion.

Abstract: A flag assembly has a flag or planar member and a bracket having a first member to which the planar member is attached for supporting the planar member and also having a second member extending downwardly therefrom such that the second member is insertible into a bore formed in a post such that the weight of the first elongate member combined with the weight of the flag causes the lower-most end of the second member to frictionally engage the bore of the post to prevent the bracket from being inadvertently removed therefrom. Such construction allows the flag to freely rotate with the wind and thereby mitigates the incidence of fowling. The first member maintains the planar member in an extended configuration suitable for viewing.

Abstract: A signalling panel comprises two superposed transparent plies of plastic material peripherally secured together. The plates have a cylindro-convex configuration and the two plies are slightly spaced from each other to provide a slot therebetween for receiving a flexible sheet displaying a visible information through the two plies. The panel when narrow is secured to a rigid base while when wide is contemplated to be secured to a flexible base member.

Abstract: A device and method for calibrating at least one temperature sensor is disclosed herein. A wafer (30) is provided having a first plurality of calibration islands (36) of a material having a melting point in the range 150.degree.-1150.degree. C. The effective reflectivity of the wafer is measured in operation using the temperature sensor or via a separate light source. A first step change in an output signal of the temperature sensor corresponding to a wafer temperature equal to the melting point of the first calibration islands is detected. Finally, the temperature sensor calibration parameters are calculated.

Abstract: A volute horn is assembled by integrally attaching a horn body to a resonating device forming a volute sound path. The horn body includes a vibration generating unit for vibrating diaphragm to create a sound, and a cover facing the outer surface of the diaphragm provided so as to block an opening in a housing. The resonating device is formed of a frame and a base. The frame is formed so that the bottom of the sound path is open, and the base is integrally secured to the bottom of the frame so as to block the sound path in an airtight manner. A first opening is formed in the cover, and a second opening is formed in the base. Sound produced by vibrating the diaphragm is transmitted through the first and second openings and into the volute sound path. The first opening communicates with the second opening in an airtight manner.

Abstract: A pig passage indicator is provided by the present disclosure and includes an elongate cylindrical hollow body having a sleeve which threads only inside the body. The sleeve captures a moveable pin or rod and a compressed resilient coil spring. The coil spring and pin connect with a plunger which has a contoured or hemispherical tip. The tip is positioned so that it protrudes into the pipeline. When a pig passes, it nudges the tip of the plunger, moves the plunger against the coil spring, and operates the rod to thereby form an alarm signal. The interior of the body is isolated by first and second spaced seal rings to define a fluid isolated chamber. Pipeline fluid does not get into this chamber.

Abstract: This instrument contains a transducer and a sensor that are mounted on the exterior surface of a liquid container or tank. The transducer is tuned by electronic signals to the mechanical resonant frequency of the liquid container or tank. The sensor converts the mechanical vibrations into dynamic electrical signals using electronic components. A phase detector and feedback circuitry force the transducer to track the resonant frequency of the tank as liquid is removed from the tank. The signal output of the feedback control circuitry is converted to display the amount of liquid remaining in the tank. The resonant frequency of the liquid container is a measure of the total mass of the container. This includes the tare weight of the container plus the weight of the liquid in the tank. The tare weight of the tank is a constant. The stiffness of the tank can be considered a constant. The dampening coefficient changes do not adversely effect the accuracy requirements of the instrument.

Abstract: A swimming pool cover elevation device. A substantially rigid pole is provided with a plurality of ropes attached at one end to the bottom thereof and having hooks disposed at the other end thereof for attachment to structure at or outside the rim of a swimming pool. A cup is provided to be affixed to the underside of the pool cover and to receive the top of the pole. The cup has a concave receptacle and the top of the pole has a convex, rounded end that conforms generally to the shape of the receptacle. Apertures are provided in the cup and the top of the pole for receiving a pin to interconnect the two. The pole has at least two portions that fit slidably together and may be pinned in place to adjust the length of the pole.

Abstract: A fluid level measuring device with an armless float adapted for an irregularly shaped gas tank of a vehicle is equipped with an elongaged mounting pole which extends to the bottom of a gas tank at one end and is fixed to the top of the tank at the other. The mounting pole is provided with a receiving groove at the front side thereof into which a PC board is and a float is slidably moved up along the mounting pole due to the buoyancy of the fluid in the tank and down due to its own weight. A metallic contact member attached to the float and one of its copper points is slidably mounted in abutment against one elongated conductive circuit path of the PC board so as to constantly form a closed circuit via bridged resistors and the elongated conductive circuit path and the grounded mounting pole. As a result of the positional variation of the float in correspondence to the level of the fluid of the tank, the resistance of the closed circuit is varied, causing the pointer of a level meter to move accordingly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided utilizing volume measurement means and temperature determining means for empirically determining the coefficient of thermal expansion for a given fluid. Said apparatus and method are particularly suited for use in testing the tightness of storage vessels and may be used in conjunction with currently available tank testing equipment to provide more accurate leakage readings than may presently be obtained.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure: A flangeless stackable hub, on which compressing of the inner central bore is to be prevented during the winding up of an information medium in tape form under high winding pressure. According to one embodiment, this is achieved by an outer hub ring having a double-T profile being provided alongside the outer winding area and by there also being elastically deformable annular intermediate elements between outer hub ring and inner hub ring. In the case of another embodiment, variously shaped openings or notches, which are distributed evenly over the entire circumference, are provided on both sides of the hub between outer circumference and inner circumference. In addition, the hub contains alongside its inner circumference on both sides axial deformations, in order to avoid a shifting or twisting when hubs are stacked one on top of the other (FIG. 2, FIG. 4).

Abstract: A flag signaling system for conveying information. Colored flags are slidably attached to a cassette. The flags can be extended to positions away from the cassette as a means of communicating information. Symbols can also be printed on the flags, thereby expanding the information carried by the flags. The flags can be produced in a variety of colors and are easily replaceable if the user so desires. Although there are standard primary and designer colors for the slides, there are over 400 designer colors to select on a custom basis. Different flag units will be manufactured by a variety of conventional and modern techniques, such as laser cutting and injection molding.