Abstract: Circuitry including a resistance sensor is excited by an external power source. A reference voltage is established, the voltage developed across the sensor resistance is compared at an amplifier input with a reference voltage signal and the voltage across a feedback resistor, and the total current drawn through the circuitry adjusts as a function of the sensor resistance to give a balanced amplifier input. Total current may be made a linear function of sensor resistance or a non-linear function by proper selection of certain resistors.

Abstract: A digital electrohydraulic steam turbine control system that generates a feedforward total steam flow demand signal to position the governor valves singly or sequentially in accordance with a dynamic nonlinear representation of steam flow vs. valve lift position having provision for testing the throttle valves while the turbine is operating in either the single or sequential mode and without effectively disturbing the load on the turbine and without the necessity of turbine operational feedback loops in service, is disclosed. Decremental and incremental flow changes for each of the governor valves in the test path and the non-test path, respectively, are calculated iteratives in accordance with a non-linear valve flow vs. valve lift position characterization for the total steam flow to the turbine.

Abstract: A buffer rod for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves in a high-temperature gas medium including a plurality of flat discs center coupled along a mechanically tuned buffer rod and connected to a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive element to convert disc vibrations into electrical signals.

Abstract: A device having heat transfer characteristics generally corresponding to an egg and including an indicating means to indicate when a desired degree of cooking of an egg, of any size, subjected to the same treatment as the device, has been achieved. The device is produced by suspending a properly insulated thermometer in a transparent tube with an air space substantially surrounding the thermometer and thereafter sealing the open end of the tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the level and dielectric constant of a liquid which includes a device for generating a subnanosecond baseband pulse that propagates through a transition device to a single wire transmission line that extends through an air filled region into the liquid. A discontinuity created at the air liquid interface produces a reflection of the baseband pulse that is compared with the transmitted pulse with respect to time of arrival and amplitude to determine the liquid level and the reflection coefficient at the air liquid interface. The reflection coefficient is then utilized to determine the dielectric constant of the liquid.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index of the surroundings constructed from a copper globe having a blackened exterior surface and provided with a fabric cover, which may entirely surround the globe or may be in strips or strands extending over the surface of the globe, with a source of water to maintain the fabric cover at least partially wet. A temperature sensing device, which may conveniently be a glass thermometer, as its sensing portion located at the center of the globe whereby a measurement of the wet bulb globe index of the surroundings can be obtained.

Abstract: A gas-filled thermometer which employs hydrogen and an adsorbent compound in a temperature sensitive bulb, with a pressure transducer connected to the bulb to indicate the temperature. The adsorbent compound has a composition conforming to the formula LT.sub.5 where L is a lanthanide rare earth element and T is a 3d-transition element.

Abstract: A precision measuring system of extraordinary accuracy particularly adapted to down-hole production logging tool strings. The disclosure emphasizes both compensating and immunizing error reduction means for hostile environments comprising varying line currents as well as large and rapidly changing ambient temperature extremes. Standard sensors and transducers are utilized, linearized, and error corrected. Calibration means permit outputs in familiar engineering units and scales. Accuracy exceeds .+-. 0.4% of full scale or, in the case of temperature measurements .+-. 1.degree.F from 50.degree.F to 300.degree.F.

Abstract: An improved thermistor holder structure is disclosed which facilitates skin-temperature measurement. The device includes a cylindrical plastic housing with tab extensions that permits the apparatus to be held to a skin surface by suitable elastic members or the like. Ventilation openings are provided in the plastic housing to permit air circulation. An adjustable, resilient metal arm with a thermistor holding cup formed at one end is secured to the interior surface of the plastic housing such that the holding cup is located at the center of the housing. A thermistor temperature sensor is inserted into and held in the cup by interference fit.

Abstract: A radiation detector utilizing temperature changes particularly suited for detecting small changes of short duration, such as produced by radiation pulses of microjoules of energy and 10 to 100 nanoseconds duration. An acoustic transmission line with transducers on a substrate providing an acoustic surface wave in the substrate, with the phase change in the wave being a measure of the temperature change at the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A system is provided for measuring the level of bulk material in a silo utilizing load cells responsive for determining total load. The silo is constructed with a separated upper storage portion and lower hopper portion with a flexible connecting seal so that the response of the load cells is independent of the weight of the storage section. The interior surfaces of the silo may be coated with an anti-friction material, such as material sold under the Registered Trademark TEFLON, and the silo surfaces have walls tapering outwardly towards the seal so as to reduce the possibility of bridging and jamming of the stored bulk material.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the temperature of a granular semiconductor material of the type which is evaporated when manufacturing a semiconductor such as gallium phosphide within an ampoule or reaction tube, in which a temperature sensor is installed in a measuring tube having a closed end extending into the ampoule and the semiconductor material therein and an opened end which is sealed into a suitable opening in the end of the ampoule with the electrical leads for the temperature sensor being brought out from the measuring tube through the opening in the ampoule.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for monitoring the internal temperature of food being cooked in the cooking cavity of a microwave oven with microwaves of a predetermined frequency having a predetermined wavelength .lambda. . The apparatus includes a needle-like temperature-sensing probe adapted for insertion into the food being cooked, the probe including a thermally-responsive electrical element positioned internally of the probe housing near the tip end. A flexible shielded cable having first and second ends and generally extending between the probe and the cooking cavity wall connects the probe to circuitry responsive to thermally-induced changes in a characteristic of the electrical element, and includes chokes at either or both ends of the cable, the chokes presenting a high impedance to microwave energy of wavelength .lambda. . The cable length is selected to be approximately equal to n .lambda./2, where n is any integer, when one choke is used, and approximately equal to n .lambda.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for monitoring the internal temperature of food being cooked in the cooking cavity of a microwave oven with microwaves of a predetermined frequency having a predetermined wavelength .lambda.. The apparatus includes a needle-like temperature-sensing probe adapted for insertion into the food being cooked, the probe including a thermally-responsive electrical element positioned internally of the probe housing near the tip end. A flexible shielded cable connects the probe to circuitry responsive to thermally-induced changes in a characteristic of the electrical element, the cable shield being connected at one end to the probe housing and at the other end to a wall of the cooking cavity. The total effective electrical length of the probe and the cable, measured along the cable and probe from the cooking cavity wall to the distal end of the probe, is selected to be an integer multiple of one-half the predetermined wavelength .lambda..

Abstract: In an environment having two or more immiscible liquids wherein a first liquid floats on top of the second liquid, a gauging system which senses the depth of the first liquid which is floating on top of the second liquid. A float holding a capacitance probe which passes through the entire depth of the first liquid maintains the probe at the free surface level at all times. A cable wrapped around a drum and connected to the float is used for determining the free surface liquid level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lacquer hardness testing apparatus comprising a wheel formed around its outer periphery with a sharp central edge and a weight exerting its pressure on said wheel. The apparatus comprises a horizontal shaft rotatably supporting said wheel at one forked end and having its other end operatively connected to a vertical lever through means permitting an angular movement between the two members. The vertical lever is connected in the same manner to one end of another horizontal lever carrying said weight at its opposite end, said weight thus exerting a constant force on said wheel irrespective of the position of the lacquered surface to be tested. This apparatus is intended more particularly for testing the degree of curing of lacquered surfaces of the bodies of motor vehicles.

Abstract: A temperature measuring circuit provides a signal varying linearly in response to temperature variations over a temperature range and includes a thermistor coupled between the collector of a transistor and one terminal of a regulated voltage source. A resistor is coupled between the emitter of the transistor and a second terminal of the voltage source. The voltage at the collector of the transistor varies substantially linearly with variations in the resistance of the thermistor over one segment of the temperature range when the transistor is operated in its linear region.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer system comprising a temperature sensing circuit for providing an analog signal representative of the temperature being sensed; a voltage to rate converter circuit responsive to the analog signal for providing uniform digital pulses at a repetition rate proportional to the temperature being sensed; and means for counting the digital pulses for a predetermined period of time for providing an indication of the temperature being sensed.

Abstract: A sensing medium having two sensing units each formed of a layer of poled electret material that is coated on each planar surface with an electrically conductive plate, such sensing units being separated from one another by a thermal insulating layer.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring a heated material in an industrial furnace by the use of a radiation thermometer comprising providing a sliding means at the tip portion of the radiation thermometer, changing a distance between the heated material and the shielding means to determine background radiation rate of the energy reflected or emitted from the atmosphere of the furnace. The background radiation rate is determined by the output energy of the radiation thermometer, which together with an accurate temperature of the heated material and an ambient temperature of the furnace, are used to calculate a temperature error at arbitrary distances. Setting the shielding means of the radiation thermometer in a position at which the temperature error is within a tolerable range, and measuring the heated material with use of the radiation thermometer.