Abstract: Leak testing a closed container with at least one flexible wall area is performed with the method and apparatus wherein a biasing arrangement compresses or expands the container under test. A biasing force is monitored with a force detector applicable to the wall of the container. The force detector generates an electric output first biasing force signal at a first point in time which is stored for comparison with the monitored biasing force signal at a second subsequent point in time to generate a different signal as a leak indicative signal. A difference signal is generated at the first point in time from the first force measuring signal stored and the first force measuring signal. This latter difference signal is stored as a zero offset signal which is used to compensate zero offset of the generated difference signal.

Abstract: A test device for measuring chemical emissions to the atmosphere from a leaking component that includes a housing containing an air mover for drawing ambient air directly into the housing. The air mover is capable of operating at a high flow rate and a low flow rate depending upon a switch state or valve position. A detector for detecting the presence of a chemical emission is positioned within the housing as well as a calculator for measuring the concentration of the chemical emission. Air is drawn directly into a housing at a low flow rate in a survey mode and once a leak is detected air is drawn directly into the housing at a high flow rate in a quantification mode. During the quantification mode the calculator determines a leak rate from the leaking component or alternatively indicates that the calculated leak rate is unreliable.

Abstract: A combined oil quality and fuel contamination sensing system includes a capacitive dielectric sensor and pressure sensing arrangements for measuring the dielectric constant of the oil and the pressure of the oil, respectively, with the oil pressure being indicative of oil viscosity and contamination. The sensors take measurements as oil flows through an internal combustion engine and provide an indication of the cause of a problem with oil in an engine. The system may also include a microcomputer and circuitry for generating an indication of dielectric constant and circuitry for generating an indication of the presence of contaminants within the engine. The system may also include an additional sensor measuring the temperature of oil within the system to adjust oil dielectric constant and viscosity indications. The capacitive dielectric sensor constitute the principal restriction in the flow path between an input high pressure sensing port and an outlet low pressure port.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test gas leakage detection apparatus (1) comprising a test chamber (2) and supply and measuring devices such as fore-pumps and high-vacuum pumps, test gas detectors, electronic components, etc. In order to construct an apparatus of this type in a manner which is simple and which does not restrict mobility, the invention provides that the test chamber (2) and the supply and measuring devices are combined to form a modular unit, and that the test chamber (2) is supported on a housing (3) in which the supply and measuring devices are accommodated. In addition, air cooling devices are assigned to thermally critical components of the supply and measuring devices.

Abstract: A hydraulic strain sensor for use with a downhole tool includes a housing having two chambers with a pressure differential between the two chambers. A mandrel is disposed in the housing. The mandrel is adapted to be coupled to the tool such that the weight of the tool is supported by the pressure differential between the two chambers. A pressure-responsive sensor in communication with the one of the chambers is provided to sense pressure changes in the chamber as the tool is accelerated or decelerated and to generate signals representative of the pressure changes.

Abstract: A system and methodology is provided for dynamically adjusting fluids that operate as a lubricant in a machine, and for dynamically controlling fluid properties of a fluid that is operational in situ in a machine. The system includes a control module having a processor and one or more sensors providing data to the processor in situ with the machine, wherein the processor employs the data to monitor the fluid. One or more inputs are provided to receive a plurality of additives that are associated with the fluid, wherein actuators are employed by the processor to dispense the additives to the fluid. The processor dispenses the fluid based upon one or more parameters of the fluid.

Abstract: An air side cover is attached to a proximal end of a housing so as to confine an aerial atmosphere therein. A measured gas side cover is attached to a distal end of the housing so as to confine a measured gas atmosphere therein. A glass sealing material airtightly seals a clearance between an inner surface of an insulator and an outer surface of a sensing element. A contact interface of the glass sealing material protrudes toward a proximal end of the gas sensor compared with at least an adjacent portion of the remainder of the glass sealing material. By melting and hardening a glass pellet, the sensing element is airtightly fixed in the insulator.

Abstract: A borehole probe and related method and apparatus that enables information related to the depth of the probe to be determined and utilized by the probe to perform tasks. The probe, comparing its sense of depth and other sensed physical and temporal information to pre-defined procedural and conditional constraints, causes a physical action to be performed, or signals another device, or signals the surface. Generally, the probe uses sensed benchmarks within the borehole that have an associated depth as a depth framework. Within the distances between the benchmarks, the probe uses inertial or other distance measuring devices to measure distance from the benchmarks. With accurate and constant knowledge of its own depth, the probe can perform tasks autonomously and at the correct depth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying the location of a gas leak source. The apparatus includes a gas detector for detecting the presence of gas and a wind direction indicator. The method traces a gas leak source location using the apparatus including the gas detector, arranged to detect the presence or absence of a gas, and the wind direction indicator.

Abstract: An atomic force microscope including a cantilever, a transferring device and a displacement detecting device is used for conducting a material test of a test member based on a load amount and a displacement amount. The test member may be fixed to the cantilever or may be entirely replaced with the cantilever. The transferring device, which is normally used for transferring the cantilever or the sample in accordance with a shape of the sample, constitutes a load applying device for applying a load to the test member, and a displacement of the test member is detected by the displacement detecting device. The load applying device can apply slight displacement and load to the test member, so that the material test for the small material can be conducted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detection and alarm systems for predicting and detecting the location of spills, leaks, emissions, and/or pollution sources, i.e., unwanted fluid (liquid/gas) flow/escape, at refineries, e.g., oil and gas refineries, and plants, e.g., petrochemical, chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing plants, and avoiding said unwanted flow/escape. According to one embodiment, said system comprises at least one detector, at least one battery powered radio frequency transmitter, preferably, according to one embodiment, a 900 megahertz spread spectrum transmitter, and a central processing location which, according to one embodiment is preferably capable of handling up to 3000 points in a single cell site.

Abstract: A relatively simple and inexpensive apparatus for testing at least the air brakes of trailers includes a portable air-brake governing or actuation system and a hand-held control pendent, operating off an independent compressed air supply. Without the coupling of, and connections with, a tractor, the air brakes of a trailer can be applied and released, and held in a charged mode for a period of time during which any loss of air pressure can be monitored. Using the apparatus a single person can conduct the entire air brake test process, including applying and releasing the brakes while simultaneously visually and manually inspecting the brakes.

Abstract: A system for localizing and correlating leaks in a pipeline includes a plurality of loggers for detecting and storing sound data, an interface unit removably connected to the plurality of loggers and a computer system removably connected to the interface unit. Each logger includes a housing and electronics disposed within the housing, the electronics comprising a microprocessor for controlling the operation of the logger, a battery source for powering the logger, a sound sensor for detecting sound data and data storage circuitry for storing sound data detected by the sound sensor. In use, the plurality of loggers are disposed along the pipeline and are programmed to record sound data. The sound data recorded by the plurality of loggers is downloaded onto the computer system which, in turn, localizes and correlates any leaks present in the pipeline.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for evaluating the integrity of seal on liquid-filled container. According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a for containing a liquid solution and a clamp with a first and second member between which the container is engaged. The clamp is positioned with respect to the tank such that a portion of the container properly situated in the clamp will extend into the tank and contact the liquid solution. A ram and cylinder are operatively connected to the clamp to engage the container. A seat is provided to support a portion of the container such hat at least a portion of the container supported by the seat will extend into the tank. A drill is provided to pierce a surface of the container to make an opening preferably at a location above the solution level of the liquid solution in the immersion tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing chemical and/or biological analytes includes a deflectable arm of a microcantilever formed over and contacting a sensing element. A gaseous or liquid medium which may include the analyte being detected, is introduced to the sensing element. The sensing element undergoes volumetric expansion or contraction in the presence of the analyte sought to be detected, typically by adsorbing the analyte. The volumetric change of the sensing element causes the deflectable arm to deflect. The deflectable arm includes at least one measurable physical property which changes when the arm deflects. Detecting means are provided to measure the change in the physical property to determine the presence and amount of analyte present. An array of microcantilevers in which each microcantilever is dedicated to detecting a particular analyte which may be included in the medium, is also provided.

Abstract: A preconcentrator system and apparatus suited to human portable use wherein sample potentially containing a target chemical substance is drawn into a chamber and through a pervious screen. The screen is adapted to capture target chemicals and then, upon heating, to release those chemicals into the chamber. Chemicals captured and then released in this fashion are then carried to a portable chemical detection device such as a portable ion mobility spectrometer. In the preferred embodiment, the means for drawing sample into the chamber comprises a reversible fan which, when operated in reverse direction, creates a backpressure that facilitates evolution of captured target chemicals into the chamber when the screen is heated.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for accurately logging a drill-stem test tool into place as the DST tool is conveyed by drill pipe or tubing to the desired location are provided. One aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for logging into place a drill stem test tool, comprising: a drill string comprising drill pipes or tubings; a drill stem test tool disposed on the drill string; an electromagnetic telemetry tool disposed on the drill string; and a gamma ray tool connected to the electromagnetic telemetry tool.

Abstract: A method and device for making measurements of the characteristics of a fluid, particularly the milk, which flows in pulsations in a conduit. The device has a measuring region wherein at least one characteristic of the fluid is determined. The measurement is made during an optimal measuring window which constitutes a time interval while a pulsation of the fluid is received in the measuring region which contains a sensor or sensors for measuring one or more selected characteristics of the fluid, such as color, conductivity or acoustic qualities. The measuring region may be in a bypass passageway in the conduit which may be incorporated in a teat cup. The pulsations in the teat cup may be used to define an optimal measuring window for measuring one or more characteristics of the fluid as it flows in pulsations through the conduit. The sensed entry or approach of a pulsation into the measuring region may also be used to define the optimal measuring window.

Abstract: A well tester adapted to select among members of an oil well family to provide a purged and clean vessel to receive samples of well production that include gas and oil, and by selective use of production pressure and lease water under pressure, allow for the separation and separate measure of the oil and gas, and optionally to provide for improved sampling of production fluids with high gas/oil ratios.

Abstract: An in-line monitoring apparatus for monitoring particulate matter in a liquid stream includes an inlet and outlet for ingress and discharge of a liquid stream. An in-line particulate matter-sampling unit is arranged for accumulation of particulate matter suspending in the liquid flow between the inlet and outlet, including an apparatus for measuring particulate matter accumulation therein. Further, there is apparatus for separating particulate matter from the liquid stream and for providing the particulate matter to the in-line sampling unit and control apparatus for operating the in-line monitoring apparatus in a first and second operative mode.