Abstract: An automatic brake shoe measuring apparatus for rolling stock automatically measures the thickness of brake shoes of a vehicle and automatically detecting the presence or absence of damage during travel. The automatic measuring apparatus includes: a camera unit including a monitor camera for photographing brake shoes of a vehicle during travel and outputting an image signal, an image memory for storing the image signal, and a trigger detector for outputting a trigger signal to thereby store an image signal representing an image of a specific brake shoe of the vehicle; and an image processing unit including an extraction means for extracting the specific brake shoe in accordance with the image signal stored in the image memory and transferred from the camera unit, an arithmetic means for calculating the thickness of the specific brake shoe extracted by the extraction means, and a display means for displaying the thickness of the specific brake shoe calculated out by the arithmetic means.

Abstract: An integrated tip strain sensor is combination with a single axis atomic force microscope (AFM) for determining the profile of a surface in three dimensions. A cantilever beam carries an integrated tip stem on which is deposited a piezoelectric film strain sensor. A high-resolution direct electron beam (e-beam) deposition process is used to grow a sharp tip onto the silicon (Si) cantilever structure. The direct e-beam deposition process permits the controllable fabrication of high-aspect ratio, nanometer-scale tip structures. A piezoelectric jacket with four superimposed elements is deposited on the tip stem. The piezoelectric sensors function in a plane perpendicular to that of a probe in the AFM; that is, any tip contact with the linewidth surface will cause tip deflection with a corresponding proportional electrical signal output. This tip strain sensor, coupled to a standard single axis AFM tip, allows for three-dimensional metrology with a much simpler approach while avoiding catastrophic tip "crashes".

Abstract: The absolute angular position of an internal combustion engine is determined by monitoring engine intake manifold pressure at a strategic position in the manifold affected most significantly by the intake event of a predetermined cylinder. A significant or maximum depression in manifold pressure over each engine cycle then is indicative of the intake stroke of the predetermined cylinder.

Abstract: Fluid level in a container is determined using a single pressure transducer connected to a portable body. The body contains a computer having a memory in which fluid level-to-fluid volume conversion data are stored for different shapes of containers so that fluid volume can be readily obtained for the shape of the respective container once fluid level is determined. These features allow a single monitoring apparatus to be used for monitoring different types of containers. The apparatus preferably includes a radio so that multiple apparatus can communicate in a system with a central remote operator interface device. Fluid level is determined by dividing a pressure reading from the bottom of the fluid by a fluid density determined from two prior pressure reading taken across a known distance (density equals the difference between the two readings divided by the distance).

Abstract: A diesel fuel injector fixture is disclosed for torquing a solenoid valve within a diesel fuel injector body. The fixture includes a hydraulic ram for partially clamping the solenoid valve to the injector body and a nesting fixture for locating the fuel injector relative to the hydraulic ram. An adjustable stop assembly on the torquing fixture adjusts to the orientation of a torque wrench engaged with the solenoid valve and locks in place to provide stops for the torque wrench. The torque wrench rotates between the stops to apply a predetermined final torque to the solenoid valve, wherein the combination of the hydraulic clamp load and the predetermined final torque properly seat the solenoid valve in the injector body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispersing a sample in a process stream is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a conduit which receives a sample at a first end and passes the sample to a pyrolysis furnace through a second end. A port is provided to admit a carrier gas. A dispersing device, preferably consisting of quartz wool, distributes the sample throughout the conduit, so that the sample may be heated by the pyrolysis furnace without coking. The method comprises the steps of receiving a sample in a conduit, dispersing the sample within a fluid carrier such that the sample is uniformly mixed throughout the fluid carrier.

Abstract: The invention permits the automatic removal of a liquid sample without human intervention. The sample is removed during the pouring of liquid glass into its container. Use is made of a bucket fitted at the end of an oscillating arm. The mechanism is controlled by a fusible or meltable pellet, which melts when the glass level rises in the container. A prestressed spring and a counterweight enables the arm to pass from an initial position into a sampling position and then to a folded back position. The invention also provides an apparatus for raising the bucket and an apparatus for recovering the solidified sample in said bucket. The invention is used for taking a radioactive glass sample having to be permanently stored in a container.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a wear-detection probe for a brake lining material which prevents a U-turned portion 61 of a detector K from shifting in a housing and avoids an increase of parts and steps of forming the probe 50. A hole 53 is formed within part of the inner periphery of an insulated electrical wire 60 in a housing 55 by drawing out of the housing 55 a pin 100 which serves to prevent the wire from being shifted in a mold upon mold-forming. A reinforcement bridge 54 is integrally formed in the hole 53 by the same resin material 70 as that 70 of the housing 55. Since the reinforcement bridge 54 is integrally formed in the hole 53 made by drawing the pin 100 out of the molded housing 55, it is possible to increase the strength of the probe 50 and to position the U-turned portion 61 in the housing 55 by the support of the reinforcement bridge 54.

Abstract: Sensors are provided for monitoring the speeds of a turbine and a compressor interconnected by a shaft. Signals from the sensors are used to control the direction of counting of a counter. If the shaft is intact, the counter repeatedly counts up from and returns to zero. If the shaft breaks, the counter counts upwardly and a signal is given when the count in the counter exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A heatable pipette apparatus, includes a pipette tube having a first zone and second zone. The first zone includes a tip end and a first heater for heating the first zone. The second zone includes a second heater for heating the second zone. Regulators are provided for separately regulating the temperature of the first heater and the second heater, the first heater being able to more accurately and precisely alter the temperature of fluids in the tube to reach a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A vibration test apparatus for applying simultaneously three equal mutually-orthogonal vibration forces to each of at least two test objects so that each of said forces extends parallel to a corresponding respective one of mutually-orthogonal X, Y and Z axes of each test object. The apparatus comprises a fixture adapted for attachment to a conventional shaker table or a sliptable that has two or four object-supporting plates disposed in a selected angular relationship with the shaker table or sliptable. This angular relationship is selected so that the input vibration force generated by the shaker table is translated into the three equal forces, each of which extends parallel to a corresponding respective one of the three mutually-orthogonal axes of each test object secured to said fixture.

Abstract: Gas influx into a wellbore, which is commonly referred to as a "kick", is detected during active drilling of the borehole. In a preferred embodiment of the invention a determination of mud pump noise round trip transit time T by evaluating a function T=(n-.PHI./2.pi.)f where .PHI. is the phase between standpipe and annulus signals and f is the frequency of a drill fluid oscillation caused by a mud pump and n is an integer which is incremented or decremented until the rate of change of T with respect to frequency is zero. An alarm signal is generated when the rate of change of T with respect to time exceeds a predetermined threshold. In another embodiment of the invention a determination of the Doppler frequency shift of a mud pump signal expressed as a ratio signal, .DELTA.f/f.sub.0 where .DELTA.f is the change in frequency measured at the annulus from the frequency f.sub.0 of the mud pump signal measured at the standpipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling and analyzing the fluid in an electrical system such as a transformer, a circuit breaker, a reactance or another electrical apparatus using a dielectric fluid as an insulating substance is disclosed. The apparatus includes a device for attaching the apparatus to the electrical system. That device includes at the same time an inlet portion and an outlet portion; a conduit through which the fluid can flow through the apparatus connecting the inlet portion in series to the outlet portion; a pump which can draw the fluid into the apparatus, through the apparatus and expel the fluid back into the electrical system; and a device for attaching a detector for breakdown products, moisture and other parameters indicative of any failure condition in the electrical apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for comparing torsional stress/strain states of a power transmitting member of an internal combustion engine to detect an abnormal combustion condition, including misfire, knock or roughness. Statistical processing steps may be used to detect an abnormal combustion event including: calculating a mean and standard deviation for a set of signals related to the torsional stress induced in the power transmitting member, calculating a difference between a later signal and the mean, calculating a ratio of the difference to the standard deviation, and comparing the ratio to a threshold. The ratio so obtained from a given cylinder may further be compared with one or more other such ratios from other cylinders. A magnetostrictive sensor may preferably be used to obtain the signals relating to the torsional stress in the power transmitting member, such as the engine crankshaft.

Abstract: A borehole tool has a source probe in fluid contact with the borehole wall, a fluid flow line for bringing fluids to and from the source probe, two injection fluid chambers containing clean oil and clean water and in fluid contact with the fluid flow line, at least one sample chamber for receiving fluid from the formation, valves for selectively routing the formation fluids and the clean oil and water through the fluid flow line, at least one pressure controller for controlling whether fluid is to be injected or withdrawn from the formation via the source probe, and a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure seen at the source probe. Permeability measurements are made by sequentially injecting one clean fluid into the formation, followed by a cleaning of the line with the other fluid which was not injected, followed by the injection of the other fluid into the formation. The order in which the oil and water are injected is based on the type of mud used for drilling.

Abstract: An atomic force microscope that performs both atomic force and surface potential measurements on a sample comprises a conductive probe beam that includes two segments, a first segment exhibiting a first mechanical resonant frequency and a second segment exhibiting a second different mechanical resonant frequency. An actuator causes oscillations in the probe beam at the first mechanical resonant frequency. An oscillator applies to the probe beam a signal having a frequency equal to the second mechanical resonant frequency. Due to the potential difference between the probe beam and the sample, a force results that causes the probe beam to vibrate. The probe beam is moved over the sample's surface in a direction parallel to the surface. An optical heterodyne system senses movements of the probe beam at both the first and second resonant frequencies and provides an output signal indicative of the second resonant frequency movement of the probe beam's second segment.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for determining the gas permeability of very low permeability subterranean formations as well as the gas permeability reducing effects of injecting one or more treatment fluids thereinto. A gas is injected into a core sample of the formation at a selected substantially constant pressure, and the injection is continued for a long period of time to insure steady state flow conditions. The temperature of the gas as it flows through the core sample and the flow rate of the gas exiting the core sample are measured, and the native state gas permeability of the core sample is calculated therefrom. One or more treatment fluids can be injected into the core sample after the native state permeability is determined. Thereafter, the gas permeability can again be determined and compared to the native state permeability.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for multi-stage tests of material samples, including but not limited to rock and shale samples, the methods, in one aspect, including the steps of placing a load on the sample, while under a constant confining pressure the sample mounted in a triaxial test apparatus; measuring and recording sample pore pressure continuously during the test; removing the load on the sample; changing confining pressure on the sample; permitting the sample's pore pressure to equilibrate at a new pore pressure with the new confining pressure; permitting the sample to drain fluid to an equilibrium value and placing a new load on the sample measuring and recording resulting pressure and load. In one embodiment these steps are repeated a plurality of times and a plurality of pore pressure, confining pressure, and load readings are obtained.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for performing pressiometric tests are disclosed, wherein an expansible or inflatable sensor is introduced into a borehole, liquid is supplied to saturate the surrounding ground, and a ground characteristic is measured by monitoring changes in the pressure and volume of the sensor. Thereby, the tendency of the ground to heave is measured.

Abstract: A test apparatus for testing equipment in motion comprises a test device (1) for testing a piece of equipment (2) and a mobile enclosure (3) containing a gas lighter than air and surrounding the test equipment (2) located on the test device (1).