Abstract: Electronic circuitry 22, 24, 26 is thermally checked by cooling with liquified nitrogen from a cryogenic delivery unit 19, directly by means of a stream 10 or a spray 28 delivered through an aperture 11, 30 of the delivery unit 19 spaced from the surface of the circuitry.

Abstract: A fuel level sender (10) utilized a float (14) pivotally connected to a resistive rheostat (20) for varying a measurement signal in response to pivotal movement of the float (14) and therefore level of liquid in a container (12). The rheostat (20) includes an arcuate card helically wound by a conductive wire (70) wherein a ball bearing (80) biased by a spring (83) is pivotally connected to the float (14) such that the ball bearing (80) rolls along the arcuate card to change the resistance provided by the wire (70). The rheostat (20) is supported within the channel (25) of a threesided U-channel extrusion (24). A mounting boss (45) providing a four sided internal cavity receives an end of the extrusion (24) therein. The boss (45) and extrusion (24) may be separated to incrementally vary the orientation therebetween. The mounting boss (45) is integrally connected to a flange plate (28) having molded-in terminals for receiving electrical wires from the rheostat (20).

Abstract: A position indicator apparatus for a valve of the type having a valve housing and a valve element, includes an actuator spindle fixedly secured to the valve element of the valve and an indicator spindle operatively connected to the actuator spindle. The indicator spindle is guided in a bush which is provided with an external thread for engagement to the valve housing of the valve. The upper end of the indicator spindle is provided with a complementary ribbed crown which protrudes a ribbed stationary guide member. A stroke of the valve element is transmitted to the actuator valve which in turn forces the indicator spindle upwards so that the ribbed crown moves past the perimeter of the guide member for displaying the respective position of the valve.

Abstract: A brake system tool for measuring the slack adjustment between an air cylinder and the brake shoe engagement with the drum of a conventional braking system. The tool includes an elongated tubular body carrying a bushing which slidable supports an indicator. The tool or slack adjustment tester as it is commonly called is held in place by a base releasably attachable to the air cylinder of an air brake system. The base is connected to the indicator. A sliding pin body is adjustably held on the tubular body by a set screw and carries a removeable pin which engages a slack adjuster arm or equivalent throughout its movement. The movement is displayed on the indicator as the tubular body is moved uncovering the indicator for a reading of the indicia.

Abstract: A temperature sensing system has a signal means which provides a signal representative of a temperature responsive luminescence, where the luminescence has a characteristic time-rate-of-decay. A means for comparison is connected to the signal means and samples the signal during two time intervals, the first interval overlapping the second. The averages of the samples are compared to provide a difference signal representative of the difference between the two measured averages. Control means coupled to the comparison means provide an output representing the temperature as a function of the time-rate-of-decay, by adjusting the overlapping intervals so that the difference signal converges to a preselected limit.

Abstract: A liquid detector for thin-walled tanks Operating in a zero gravity environment (e.g., outer space). The liquid detector includes a small heater, such as a 1-watt patch heater, and two thermistors positioned on either side of the heater and diametrically opposed to each other. The heater and two thermistors are located on the outside of a propellant tank of, for example, a satellite. One of the thermistors is positioned directly over a region where a propellant management device retains liquid. The other thermistor is spaced apart from the region, while the heater is proximate to the region. In operation, the heater is activated for a short period of time and the change in temperature at each of the two thermistors is observed. The temperature of a thermistor located over a spot having liquid propellant in contact with the tank wall will increase less than the temperature of the thermistor located at a spot where no liquid propellant is present.

Abstract: A laser beam-transmitting section of a laser measuring instrument of dimensional change is arranged at one side of a specimen heating furnace, a laser beam-receiving section is arranged at the opposide side of the furnace, a slit fixture for shielding within-the-furnace radiation heat and light is provided inside a measuring window, a heat insulating material having a slit for shielding within-the-furnace radiation heat and light is provided inside said slit fixture, and a within-the-furnace radiation light shielding slit plate and a within-the-furnace radiation light reducing optical filter are disposed at the end faces of said respective laser beam-transmitting section and said laser beam-receiving section whereby measuring errors caused by the light and heat generated within the furnace are prevented (the interior of a specimen heating furnace core pipe can be replaced by various kinds of atmospheres as necessary, and it is possible to measure the dimensional change of small-size specimens of ceramics or t

Abstract: A testing apparatus (dynamic thermomechanical analyzer) for analyzing a change of the state of a sample from a fluid state to a solid state. The dynamic thermomechanical analyzer includes: a) a vessel in which the sample is set; b) a spring standing in the vessel; the top of the spring rising above the surface of the sample; c) an oscillator for oscillating the spring via a push rod with a constant amplitude of force; and d) a displacement detector for detecting the displacement of the spring or the push rod. When the spring is oscillated at a constant amplitude of force, the amplitude .DELTA.L of the displacement of the push rod decreases as the initially fluid sample solidifies.

Abstract: A speed and direction indicator for ships having at least one rudder propeller, or pump jet, and preferably several such devices for determining the direction of the ship and its speed in the selected direction. An optical display is provided in the area occupied by the ship operator, on which display are shown the angle which is formed between the direction of force and a reference direction, and the strength of the thrust, independently of the operating state of the rudder propeller(s) or the pump jet(s).

Abstract: A marker post and the like comprises a base to be placed on or in the ground. A threaded hole or other fastening mechanism is located at the top of the base. A post is attached to the base by a spring. At the other end of the spring is a screw or other fastening mechanism which will operate with the fastening mechanism at the top of the base. When impacted by an external force, the marker post flexes.

Abstract: A marker for power lines includes a discharge lamp having one of its terminals connected by a cable and a metal jaw to an overhead ground wire. A second cable electrically connects the other terminal to a metallic energy captor which operates by induction in the electric field of the power lines. A sphere made of translucid material and secured to the lamp envelopes the lamp.

Abstract: An aircraft fuel gauging system has three or more optical pressure sensors 1 and 3 mounted in a tank 10. One sensor 1 is mounted on the floor 14 of the tank, the other sensors 2 and 3 being displaced from the first sensors and from each other in the x, y and z directions. The output of each sensor 1 to 3 is representative of the mass of fuel above the sensor and is supplied to a processor 20. The processor 20 is also connected to an three-axis accelerometer system 21, a pressure sensor 24 above the liquid and a density sensor 25. Utilizing these inputs the processor 20 computes the location of the fuel surface and, from information in the store 22 of tank shape, calculates the mass of fuel.

Abstract: A low pressure tire indicator is a mechanical device for producing an audible warning to the driver of low or inadequate tire pressure. The low pressure tire indicator includes a strap for mounting the low pressure tire indicator to a wheel hub. A spring housing is mounted on the strap. A rocker arm is mounted on an anchor pin positioned within the spring housing, and extends away from the wheel hub towards the inside tread wall of a pneumatic tire mounted on the wheel hub. The rocker arm includes a roller on a free end for engaging the inside tread wall of the tire during a low pressure condition. A hammer is mounted on the anchor pin and moves in unison with the rocker arm. A spring is mounted on the anchor pin, and, during proper tire inflation, normally urges the hammer into contact with the wheel hub, and normally positions the roller on the free end of the rocker arm between the wheel hub and the inside tread wall of the tire.

Abstract: A facility for permitting launch performance tests to be conducted on an erwater vehicle, such as a torpedo, includes a housing having an opening therethrough defining a tubular chamber for receiving a vehicle therein. A piston is also positioned within the tubular chamber. A link disposed between the piston and the vehicle has a pair of opposing end portions connected with the piston and the vehicle, respectively. A channel is positioned adjacent to the housing and has water flowing therein at a predetermined velocity. The water within the channel communicates with the tubular chamber to allow water flowing within the channel to enter the tubular chamber and surround the vehicle with the vehicle at its rest position. A drive device is operable to move the piston through the tubular chamber a preselected distance sufficient to move the vehicle and the water surrounding the vehicle out of the tubular chamber and into the channel.

Abstract: A temperature warning device for indicating when a threshold temperature has been exceeded includes a threaded bolt having a bolt head and a bolt body. The bolt head and bolt body have a longitudinal bore defined by a surrounding surface with the bore having a closed end and an open end at the bolt head. A plunger in the bore has a plunger head and a plunger body terminating at the open end of the bore. A retaining cap is secured in the bore of the bolt head and has a cap hole through which the plunger body freely extends. A sleeve of a fusible material is contained in the bore which melts at the threshold temperature. This sleeve substantially fills a volume of the bore radially between the plunger body and the surrounding surface of the bore and longitudinally between the plunger head and the cap. A compressed spring is located in the bore between the closed end and the plunger head.

Abstract: A mounting structure is provided which is particularly adapted for holding a level sensor in place at an opening on vessels containing pressure above or below the ambient pressure. First and second fitting members are provided which are installed on the vessel at the opening provided thereon. The level sensor is releasably attached to the second fitting member positioned on the exterior of the vessel so it is in communication with the interior of the vessel. The first and second fitting members are mechanically locked together so that the vessel wall is held captive between the fitting members. The mounting structure provides a positive mechanical lock between the vessel and the level sensor ensuring that the level sensor will not be blown out of, or sucked into, the vessel even if the fluid tight seal between the mounting structures fails.

Abstract: A folding warning marker includes three tubular stays each having first upper ends joined together by torsional coil springs. A flexible, brightly colored and reflective fabric cover is received over the stays. The torsional coil springs bias each adjacent pair of the three stays apart, forming isosceles triangles such that the fabric cover forms a pyramidal configuration. An apex region of the flexible cover is reinforced to withstand the stress induced by the torsional coil springs. Lower ends of each of the tubular stays are received in respective pockets formed on an interior surface adjacent the lower peripheral edge of the fabric cover. The stays may be manually forced into a parallel relation to form a compact closed position of the warning marker for storage and transportation purposes. The warning marker may be retained in the closed position by a securing strap or a storage tube.

Abstract: An electrode is lowered toward the surface of a liquid column until electrical contact is made between the electrode and a liquid column to establish current flow between the electrode and the liquid column. The electrode is raised from the liquid column. An additional quantity of liquid is added to the liquid column to cause the column to rise. The electrode is lowered toward the surface of the liquid column until electrical contact is again effected. The distance of travel of the electrode is measured as a determination of the rise in height of the liquid column and of the additional volume of liquid added to the column.

Abstract: The axial force on the valve stem of a large valve can be related to the output of a strain sensor mounted on the yoke of the valve, but accuracy can be achieved only if the strain sensor is first calibrated by applying a known axial force to the valve stem. This can be done conveniently by using the invention, which includes two loading beams juxtaposed on opposite sides fo the valve stem, elongated in a direction perpendicular to the valve stem, and including a split nut or a collet for gripping the valve stem. Legs extend from the ends of the loading beam assembly parallel to the valve stem, and one or both of these legs includes a hydraulic ram for applying force to one or both ends of the loading beam assembly. This applied force can be measured independently of the yoke-mounted strain sensor.

Abstract: An immersion well assembly for a fluid vessel, such as a boiler, hot water heater or piping system, having an existing threaded opening. A preexisting well housing a mechanical temperature sensor, which is connected to a temperature display or control first system, is removed from the opening, and the present assembly threaded therein. In this assembly are a (replacement) mechanical sensor to be connected to the first system and an electronic sensor. The electronic sensor is positioned in a small distal pocket and the sensor wires travel along a groove adjacent the mechanical sensor and out to a second system, such as a remote computer control system.