Abstract: A notch filter arrangement for reducing vibration noise in a vortex shedding flowmeter circuit is disclosed which utilizes a plurality of sequentially closable switches. The plurality of switches are all closed during a single period of the vibration signal fundamental frequency. Each switch is connected in series to a capacitor which is connected to the output signal of a vortex sensor so that the instantaneous average voltage of the vibration signal during any increment of time is subtracted from the vortex shedding frequency signal to produce a noise reduced signal.

Abstract: A method of determining the rate of heat transfer from a surface due to fluid convection, in which a sheet of liquid absorbent material, whose transmissive or reflective properties for certain radiations vary with the liquid content, is attached to the surface and, after being wetted with a liquid which will evaporate on passage of the convective fluid, the sheet is exposed to the radiation and to the convecting fluid, and the change in the amount of radiation transmitted through or reflected from the sheet is monitored, this giving a ready indication of the rate of heat transfer.

Abstract: A circuit for a vortex shedding flowmeter is disclosed which generates an analog signal proportional to the vortex shedding frequency and a pulse signal which equals or is proportional to the vortex shedding frequency signal. A scaling or range selection counter can be provided between the pulse signal and an output stage for changing the effective range of measurement by dividing the shedding frequency by a selected and known number.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optically making physical measurements of materials which deform upon application of heat thereto. The device comprises a source of light, an at least partly transparent chamber having a heating source which can be programmed to operate as a function of time, and with a porous support designed to support a deformable material within the chamber. A photo-electric receiver 5 and an optical lens 7 are also provided for imaging of the material during deformation on the photo-electric receiver. In order to perform the imaging, the source of light, the porous support, the photo-electric receiver and the optical lens 7 are optically aligned. In a specific application, the apparatus can be used to determine the wetting power of pitches.

Abstract: A tubular shaped fluid level or fluid volume sensor for mounting in a fluid storage vessel for sensing the level or volume of the fluid within the vessel which comprises: a first pair of like electrically conductive capacitor elements each formed to present two electrically connected capacitive plate areas, the capacitor elements being spaced from one another and shaped and arranged to generally define together the outer periphery of the tubular sensor; and a second pair of like electrically conductive capacitor elements each formed to present two electrically connected capacitive plate areas, the second pair of capacitor elements being positioned within and spaced from the first pair of capacitor elements and being spaced from one another and shaped and arranged to generally define together the inner periphery of the tubular sensor.

Abstract: A switching device for detecting the rotational positions of a rotary shaft including a lever rotating with the rotary shaft as a unit, and an electrically conductive plate spring having a central portion and two side portions which is bent and mounted on the lever. The two side portions of the plate spring are each formed with a movable electrical contact, and electrical contacts each juxtaposed against one of the movable electrical contacts on the plate spring are formed in fixed members respectively. Rotation of the lever brings one set of movable and fixed contacts into and out of engagement with each other to detect one rotational position, and further rotation thereof brings the other set of movable and fixed contacts into and out of engagement with each other to detect another rotational position. The plate spring is held in position in flexed condition on the lever by retaining means which has the effect of positively keeping the two contacts with each other.

Abstract: A fluid level or fluid volume sensor or probe for mounting in a fluid storage vessel for sensing the level or volume of the fluid within the vessel which is comprised of four like electrically conductive capacitor elements each formed to present two electrically connected capacitive plates disposed in angular relation to each other. Electrical insulating material constitutes centrally located means for mounting the capacitor elements in fixed spaced relationship from one another around such mounting means and for positioning the elements so that each capacitive plate thereof defines with a capacitive plate of the next adjacent capacitor element a dielectric space therebetween whereby the mounted capacitor elements together form four like dielectric spaces. Material of known constant dielectric value fills two of the dielectric spaces thereby forming with their respective space defining capacitive plates two capacitors of known fixed and substantially like capacitive value.

Abstract: Correlation thermography permits high resolution passive remote thermal radiation sensing for non-invasive temperature measurement of the interior of a body. At least two directional transducers are coupled to the surface of the body at different locations about the body in such a manner that their directional receiving patterns intersect. These transducers may be acoustic or electromagnetic transducers, but in any case are capable of receiving thermally-generated energy from inside the body and generating corresponding electrical signals. The intersection of the receiving patterns of the transducers defines a common volume which is relatively small, and the signals at each transducer originating from this common volume within the body exhibit a high degree of correlation. A multiplier receives the electrical signals produced by the transducers. A fixed or variable delay is interposed between at least one of the transducers and the multiplier.

Abstract: A vane modulus soil tester includes a multi-blade vane having a plurality of radially extended and circumferentially spaced-apart blades. The blades have cavities in which resistance-type strain gauges are carried for measuring stress on the face of the vane blades. At least strain gauges are situated so as to be "facing" each other.A further embodiment may be provided with a series of independent levels of blades of different thicknesses whereby test values may be extrapolated to zero blade thickness conditions or the insitu value. A support base is provided for securely positioning a vane rod extended axially from the vane and for applying torque to the vane through the vane rod.

Abstract: A system for measuring the level of liquid stored in deep tanks or vessels that allows the use of a lightweight, relatively non-toxic, non-corrosive gauge fluid of normal column height is disclosed. The system discloses a diaphragm manometer that alters a greater pressure from the tank liquid into a lesser pressure from the gauge fluid permitting such gauge fluid to be lightweight and making it unnecessary to use high density fluids which are usually toxic, contaminating and have other undesirable handling characteristics. The device can be used for open tanks, or, with adaptations, for sealed tanks. For open tanks, the device provides two sealed chambers having two opposing diaphragms. For sealed tanks, pressure neutralizing elements are added with one device providing three sealed chambers and two diaphragms with neutralizing connectors, and another providing three sealed chambers and three diaphragms.

Abstract: The invention relates to flowmeters and solves the problem of providing a simple and reliable meter that has a wide measuring range and high measuring accuracy over the entire range, including its lower part in the region around values for Reynolds Number of about 200. According to the invention, there is a T-shaped oscillating element (8) inside the meter between a pair of projections (6, 7), which throttle the flow, causing separation and turbulence. The oscillating element is actuated upon not only by negative pressure forces, but also by forces of positive pressure, which provides steady operating conditions. (FIG.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the liquid level adjacent the bottom of a slurry vessel is provided with a liquid level indicator that works in conjunction with a flow conduit which passes through a container with an imperforate side surface that covers a first open-topped fluid retaining container to permit the liquid within the slurry vessel to enter the open-top first fluid retaining container and the flow conduit in response to the level of liquid within the slurry vessel.

Abstract: A front wheel indicator for a motor car comprises a liquid filled capsule for mounting at the steering wheel of a car so a shaft in the capsule, in mounted position, will be inclined with respect to the plumb-line. A pointer including the symbol of two spaced-apart, parallel bands is rotatably mounted on the shaft, and is connected to a float by a link mechanism. The float strives to maintain a high position in the capsule, and will tend to rotate the pointer when the steering wheel is turned. With a suitably selected link mechanism the two bands of the pointer will indicate the occasional position of the front wheels of the car as a result of a turning of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A gas flow measuring apparatus includes first and second temperature dependent resistors located in a gas tube respectively downstream and upstream of an electric heater which is also located in the gas tube. The first and second temperature dependent resistors are connected to form a bridge circuit together with first and second reference resistors. Between a pair of diagonal junctions of the bridge circuit, a potential difference is produced depending on the flow rate of the gas and the power supplied to the electric heater, and a measuring circuit controls the power supplied to the electric heater so that the potential difference is maintained at a predetermined value irrespective of a change in flow rate of the gas.

Abstract: A high pressure pipe tester plug for insertion into a pipe having a joint such as a weld to be tested includes a stem terminating in a fixed tapered washer, a plurality of grip segments arranged about the stem, an annular floating mandrel positioned about the stem and having an upper retaining section, a cylindrical section and a tapered entry section, an O-ring positioned in an internal recess of the floating mandrel and a ring-shaped seal, rectangular in cross section, positioned about the cylindrical section of the floating mandrel and retained by the upper retaining section. When tightened by a nut, the floating mandrel is forced into the top end of the grip segments, the washer is forced into the bottom end of the grip segments and the ring-shaped seal engages the pipe interior to isolate the joint to be tested.

Abstract: A flat measuring string is disclosed that is formed from a blank of sheet metal (such as a niobium-zirconium alloy), characterized by the provision of bendable or foldable wing flaps arranged at the nodal portions of the string, thereby to permit the connection of nodal masses to the string. In this manner, it is possible to achieve good measurement-technical data, especially, data regarding hysteresis and creepage under load, coupled with extensive freedom in the choice of materials and very economical mass production of the string components. The measuring string is particularly suitable for use in force or distance measurement.