Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the mass transport properties of pos materials. The apparatus is a permeation or diffusion cell that comprises two outer portions with longitudinal channels therein, two clamping plates with openings therein, two flow inlets and two flow outlets in fluid communication with such outer portion channels, which cell retains a sample of porous material during measurement procedures. In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured for measuring pure diffusion transport properties of the sample of porous material. In another embodiment, the apparatus is configured for measuring the diffusion and convection transport properties of the sample of porous material. In a further embodiment, the apparatus is configured for measuring the pure convection transport properties of the sample of porous material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is presented for determining surface tension of a liquid or interfacial tension between two dissimilar liquids by using a rigidly suspended probe with small sample sizes and by measuring probe force using a top-loading balance used for supporting the container of liquids under test. When a small sample size in a small container is used, capillary action between a probe and the container walls enhances the measured force, and an adjustment factor for the capillary action must be applied. A probe rigidly suspended to overcome capillary action between the probe and walls permits such measurements. For any sized sample, in accordance with Isaac Newton's third law of equal and opposite forces acting between objects, the force required for lifting a probe vertically from a liquid is equivalent to the reduction in weight of the liquid and container.

Abstract: A helium supply unit (1) supplies helium from a high pressure storage (21) to fill a test chamber (6) which encloses a sample holder (5) to be examined for leaks by measuring device (2) including a mass spectrometer (3) and a control unit (4). The test gas is recovered after the testing by a pressure difference between a low pressure storage (18) and the test chamber (6). The test chamber is evacuated prior to receipt of the test gas by a vacuum pump (27) and after testing by a vacuum pump (34) for more complete helium recovery. The recovered test gas is then transmitted back to the high pressure storage (21) through a compressor (19), which raises the pressure of the recovered gas to a predetermined pressure, from the low pressure storage (18). The control unit (4) also controls a pure test gas supply (37) and a release valve (44).

Abstract: A coil of continuous steel tubing string is stretched along the ground. An elongate bundle of instrument lines, including thermocouples and pressure sensor wiring, is threaded into the bore of the tubing string. The instrument lines are landed at multiple spaced apart measurement points along the string. The string and the contained bundle are cut at pressure measuring points. A tubular sub having a side port is supplied for each point. One set of cut line ends is threaded through the sub and reconnected with the other set. A pressure sensor is inserted in the string at the cut point and connected with pressure sensor wiring and the port. This process is repeated along the tubing string. The product is a continuous tubing string housing a plurality of pressure sensor assemblies connected to ports along the string and a plurality of thermocouples operative to measure temperature at points along the string.

Abstract: A transducer for a vibratory viscometer includes a hollow cylindrical sheath and a hollow cylindrical shaft disposed within the cylindrical sheath. The shaft has a first end portion and a second end portion connected to a distal end portion of the sheath. The viscometer includes a sensor tip connected to the distal end portion of the sheath. The sensor tip has an inner surface defining a hollow region and a support tube disposed within the hollow region configured to hold a temperature sensor. The viscometer further includes a crossbar coupled to the first end portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for leak testing a first and a second cavity of a part. A fixture is provided for engaging and individually sealing the cavities of the part. Pressurized fluid from a pressure source is introduced into each of the cavities. The first cavity is allowed to stabilize and its leak rate is measured using a pressure-measuring device. The first cavity is then vented. Upon stabilization of the second cavity, the leak rate thereof is similarly measured. The second cavity is then also vented. The leak rates are then evaluated to determine if a leak is present in either of the cavities.

Abstract: An electro-rheological (ER) fluid damper control system employs fuzzy logic to attain real time control in a highly responsive manner. The ER fluid damper is interposed in a vehicle between its sprung mass (vehicle body) and unsprung mass (suspension). Signals corresponding to the velocity of the sprung mass and the relative velocity between the sprung and unsprung masses are generated by pairs of accelerometers and electronic integrators. A fuzzy rule, taking into account weighted values of these input signals, is applied to the signals to determine an output value which, in turn, establishes a control signal for application to the electrodes of the ER fluid damper. As the velocity signals change, the voltage applied to the electrodes also changes, thus adjusting the fluid viscosity and mechanical responsiveness of the ER fluid damper.

Abstract: A porous Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 thick film covers the SrTiO.sub.3 layer of an oxygen sensor, said SrTiO.sub.3 layer being contacted by means of two Pt electrodes and deposited on an Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 substrate. The electrically insulating Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 layer bears a protective layer, which is exposed to the exhaust gas and is preferably also made of SrTiO.sub.3. This construction ensures that the output signal of the sensor representing the oxygen partial pressure then depends only on the resistance or, respectively, conductivity value of the non-contaminated SrTiO.sub.2 sensor layer.

Abstract: A given volume of a test substance is provided into a monitoring line which is filled with a test medium (e.g. air). The line extends along a path for determining concentration profiles of certain substances along the path. For the purpose of transporting a column of test medium through the monitoring line, the pressure in the monitoring line is increased by switching on a pressure pump or, for the same purpose--in an alternative embodiment--the pressure is reduced by switching on a suction pump. A given metering volume of the test substance is automatically released in the monitoring line when the pressure goes beyond a given pressure threshold. The release of the given metering volume of the test substance, after it has been carried along the monitoring line by the column of test medium, results in a test peak for reference reading calibration in a sensor which responds to the test substance and which is connected to the monitoring line.

Abstract: A leak detector for a pump having a plurality of stacked diaphragms includes a plurality of flat spacer rings each having discontinuous channels and being disposed in face-to-face abutting and stacked relationship with one another wherein the discontinuous channels of the spacer rings together form tortuous leak paths extending through the flat spacer rings from working areas of the pump to a point outside of sealing areas thereof. A port is disposed in fluid communication with the port and an apparatus is provided for developing a visual indication of fluid in the port. A circumferential fluid-tight seal is disposed radially outside of the port for sealing off fluid loss beyond the outer periphery of the plurality of diaphragms and flat spacer rings.

Abstract: In this invention, drill pipe or tubing is attached to a sampling tool that is suspended in a borehole. A wireline cable also connects the tool to surface equipment and establishes electrical communication between the tool and the surface equipment. A valve located in the docking head assembly controls fluid flow between the borehole and the drill pipe through a port located within the drill pipe assembly which is opened and closed as required. During operations, the tool takes fluid samples from the formation and analyzes them for contamination levels. Unacceptable fluid is pumped or flowed through the tool via a flowline and into the drill pipe where it is stored until it is disposed of at the surface. Once the flowing fluid reaches acceptable levels of contamination, this fluid is pumped or flowed into a sample chamber(s) in the tool.

Abstract: A process provides for measuring particles in suspension in a liquid in an particle response analyzing instrument comprising a cytometric flow cell head, wherein the suspension is injected into the head at an injection rate, the head comprises one or several sensors which deliver responses when measuring particles injected therein and which yield a significant response for a set measurement frequency range. The response is processed and used to generate results in the instrument. When a first response is significant, measurements continue at the same injection rate in order to obtain a result thats likely to continue being a significant response during subsequent measurements and, conversely, when the first response is not significant, the injection rate is modified in order to bring the response within a significant response range and to continue with measurements in order to obtain a result.

Abstract: A vapor sensing device that is sufficiently small and lightweight to be handheld, and also modular so as to allow the device to be conveniently adapted for use in sensing the presence and concentration of a wide variety of specified vapors. The device provides these benefits using a sensor module that incorporates a sample chamber and a plurality of sensors, located on a chip releasably carried within or adjacent to the sample chamber. Optionally, the sensor module can be configured to be releasably plugged into a receptacle formed in the device. Vapors are directed to pass through the sample chamber, whereupon the sensors provide a distinct combination of electrical signals in response to each. The sensors of the sensor module can take the form of chemically sensitive resistors having resistances that vary according to the identity and concentration of an adjacent vapor.

Abstract: For leak testing closed containers (9) which are filled with a filling product containing at least one liquid component the container is introduced in a test cavity (1) which is evacuated at least down to vapor pressure of that liquid component. The pressure in the surrounding of the container (9) and thus within test cavity (1) is monitored. Monitoring is performed by a vacuum pressure sensor (7), whereas lowering pressure surrounding the container (9) is performed by a vacuum pump (5).

Abstract: An improved system for the non-destructive testing of the fluid tight integrity of an installed fluid transfer line such as a drain pipe or vent and wastewater system of a building. A removable test baffle is held in place between ends of adjacent sections of an installed fluid transfer line to isolate a portion of the line for testing. The test system comprises a baffle carriage, a removable test baffle, and a sleeve adapted to engage the outer surfaces of the adjacent sections to seal the junction and the test installation from leaking and optionally to provide one or more gaskets between the section ends and the baffle carriage. In optional preferred embodiments of the test system the baffle carriage is an integral part of the sleeve. Preferred baffles for use with the invention are flexible, of larger diameter than the fluid line, and comprise dual-gasket sealing means and means for removal of the baffles from either side of the test seal.

Abstract: A compact fluidic circuit card having a main body with internal sensing elements and with fluidic circuit components (FCCs) located on both its front and back surfaces. An immunoassay sensing element may be used either in the form of a optical waveguide around which the liquid test sample may flow, or a disc through which the liquid test sample may flow. The card may be made inexpensive enough to be disposable by forming its main body and all of its FCCs so that they are suitable for being integrally formed in one piece by injection molding from plastic, regardless of the number of its FCCs; and by using thin strips of adhesively attached material for the main body's cover, needle septum strip and valve membrane strip. Heat-shrink plastic may be used for the valve membranes. The strength of the heat-shrink plastic's adhesive bonds may be increased by using a corona or plasma discharge to intentionally damage the surface of the heat-shrink plastic.

Abstract: A leak detection device securable in detection proximity to a fluid vessel. The leak detection device includes a sensor element and a monitoring assembly. The sensor element has a monitorable characteristic, and the monitorable characteristic changes upon contact, immerson or in exposure to the fluid contained in the vessel. The monotoring assembly is responsive to the monitorable characteristic and produces an changing electrical output in response to change in the monitorable characteristic. The vessel and leak detection device may form an assembly including a shroud or cover over the detection device and a leak-susceptible portion of the vessel, to provide a microenvironment in which the detection device is operated.

Abstract: A method of dynamically modifying a test program makes testing more efficient and less costly while avoiding errors from manual operations. In one embodiment the order of functional tests in the test program is dynamically changed based on the results of testing. Tests that have caused fails are moved earlier in the testing program without having to recompile the test program. Each functional test has an initialization step to set the chip in a state from which subsequent test vectors are run.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for real time gas analysis involving determining individual concentrations of fluid constituents in a mixture of known constituents by measuring properties of the mixture and solving a set of equations, which relate the individual gas concentrations to the measured properties of the mixture, for the unknown individual gas concentrations. The individual concentrations of four gasses in a mixture are determined by: passing the mixture through a flowmeter, a capillary, an orifice, and a sonic oscillator; transducing temperature, pressure and acoustic frequency measurements taken from the sensors; determining the density, viscosity, and the specific heat of the mixture; forming three equations which respectively relate these three properties to individual gas concentrations; and solving the three equations and the constitutive equation which requires that the sum of the concentrations equal unity, for the four unknown individual gas concentrations.

Abstract: An electric-component transferring apparatus having a suction testing function, including at least one suction device which sucks and holds an electric component by a negative pressure; a suction-device moving device which moves the suction device; a negative-pressure control device which controls the negative pressure supplied to the suction device; a negative-pressure measuring device which measures the negative pressure of the suction device; and a test control device which controls the suction-device moving device, the negative-pressure control device, and the negative-pressure measuring device so that the suction-device moving device moves the suction device to a position where the negative-pressure measuring device is present and the measuring device measures the negative pressure of the suction device.