Abstract: The present invention relates to a property determining apparatus for automatically determining in real time, properties of a slurry material such as of a sludge under treatment. The apparatus, being provided with a sampling cylinder 2, a quantitative sampling piston pair comprised of a rear piston 3 and a front piston 4, an air cylinder 5, a measurement tank 8, and a measuring means 10, is connected to a transfer pipe P and the like for a slurry material via a connecting opening 2w of the sampling cylinder 2.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided which determine the spatial distribution of fluids in a porous media contained in a three-dimensional cell as such fluids migrate through porous media in response to a vacuum-induced pressure differential.

Abstract: An integrated airway adapter capable of monitoring CO.sub.2 concentration in real time, breath by breath using infrared absorption techniques and monitoring respiratory flow with differential pressure flowmeters under diverse inlet conditions through improved sensor configurations which minimize phase lag and dead space within the airway adapter.

Abstract: Packages (7) are conveyed through at least one, and preferably two, test stations (14, 16). At each station there is a test head (7) which is urged towards the conveying path, preferably by gravity. As a package (7) is conveyed through a station it displaces the head away from the path. The displacement is monitored. Preferably, subsequent displacement towards the path due to leakage of the package is also monitored.

Abstract: A rigid cylinder is provided with small perforations to permit the entry of hydrocarbon containing liquids, gases or vapors, and the interior of the cylinder is lined with a sensor material which expands in the presence of hydrocarbons. The interior chamber enclosed by the sensor material is completely filled with an incompressible liquid, and one end of the chamber is sealed by a conventional pressure sensor so that the presence of hydrocarbons causes the sensor material to exert a pressure upon the incompressible liquid to create an output signal in the pressure sensor. A double-chambered device, with only one chamber being perforated and thereby exposed to the hydrocarbons, can be used to compensate the pressure sensor signal for ambient pressure or temperature changes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite constructions useful for detecting chemical leaks and methods of using the same. The composite constructions comprise materials that deteriorate in the presence of the chemicals to be detected, thereby exposing a visual indicator that signals that a leak has occurred.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for the analysis of mixed gas components which can perform, in high precision, determination of the quantities of components contained in a sample gas containing a plurality of the components having molecular weights close to each other and which has a Fourier transform mass spectrometric means for ionizing a sample gas, applying a high frequency electric field to the ionized gas to induce cyclotron resonance, detecting the cyclotron resonance as a high-frequency decaying electric signal, and converting the resulting high-frequency decaying electric signal to a frequency-domain signal and a wavelength variable light irradiating means for irradiating a light of a single wavelength to ionize the molecules of the components constituting the sample gas, said irradiating means being able to vary the wavelength and/or intensity of the irradiation light.

Abstract: A method of determining the remaining useful life of automatic transmission fluid used in an automatic transmission or transaxle is provided. A multiplicity of vehicles having the same type of automatic transmission or transaxle are monitored and data on factors bearing on the useful life of automatic transmission fluid are collected. Weighted constants are derived for each factor. The automatic transmission controller is then programmed to monitor the operation of the automatic transmission or transaxle and collect data on the factors that bear on the useful life of the automatic transmission fluid. Based on the collected data and weighted constants, the remaining useful life of the automatic transmission fluid is determined.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evaluating formation damage proximate to the surface of a rock. The invention is applicable to surface tests and to tests downhole in a borehole. A first hollow probe sealingly contacts the rock surface to define a first surface area, and the pressure within the hollow probe is decreased to monitor resulting pressure changes. A second hollow probe contacts the rock surface to define a second surface area having a different size than the first surface area, and the pressure within the hollow second probe is decreased to monitor resulting pressure changes. Differences in the observed pressure changes can be analyzed to evaluate formation damage to the rock surface and near surface. In particular, the thickness of formation damage, and permeability losses caused by such damage, can be assessed. Alternatively, fluid pressure can be injected into the first and second volumes to evaluate the subsequent pressure reduction.

Abstract: An improvement in an air inflation system for a vehicle of an improved sensor for detecting an air leak including an air flow restriction positioned in the air connection between the air supply and the tires and an air actuated differential pressure switch connected to the air connection upstream and downstream of the flow restriction for actuating a warning indicator when air is being supplied to a tire.

Abstract: A system for surveying subterranean hollow spaces arranged on a cable having reinforcing jacketing. The device comprises an oblong tubular housing divided into three sections. A pivot joint connects that top section to the center section and permits rotation of the center section around a longitudinal axis of the surveying system. A tilting joint connects the center section to the bottom section to change the inclination of the bottom section around an orthogonal axis of swivel. There is a rotary drive for rotating the center section and a tilting drive for tilting the bottom section. There is an instrument in the center section for determining the rotary position of the center section. The free end of the bottom section has an exchangeable sensor carrier having a sensor for measuring the hollow space. An angle sensor is located in the bottom section for determining the absolute angle of inclination of the bottom section relative to the perpendicular.

Abstract: A process for automated measurement of ammonia in a gas mixture containing ammonia gas and one or more water-insoluble gases includes providing a water reservoir adapted for supplying water therefrom through a first solenoid valve and providing a measurement vessel adapted for receiving water. The vessel is adapted for draining the water therefrom through a second solenoid valve. The vessel is also adapted for receiving the gas mixture through a third solenoid valve and purging the gas mixture from the vessel through a fourth solenoid valve. The vessel is adapted for maintaining the gas in the vessel and receiving water thereinto in an amount sufficient to dissolve the ammonia gas contained in the gas mixture, into the water, and allowing a differential pressure between the gas mixture and the water containing dissolved ammonia to be measured.

Abstract: A chromatograph includes an injector for receiving a sample and a pressurized carrier fluid flow and in response providing a sample/fluid mixture; a separation column located in a temperature-controlled zone for receiving the sample/fluid mixture and for providing a column effluent stream; a pneumatic detector having an orifice for receiving the effluent stream; means for sensing the volumetric flow rate of the fluid mixture entering the column and for generating a respective flow rate signal; means for sensing the column input pressure and generating a respective input pressure signal; an electronic pneumatic controller including means for receiving the flow rate signal and input pressure signal and for controlling in response the input pressure and the volumetric flow rate of the carrier fluid; and means for detecting a change in the pressure of the effluent stream at the orifice in response to a change in the density of the effluent stream passing through the orifice and for generating a representative out

Abstract: This patent discloses an analyzer that can be mounted onto a wave solder machine and passed through a solder wave to determine various characteristics associated with the solder wave to assist operators with proper set up and trouble shooting. The analyzer comprises a pallet made of a thermally insulated material. The pallet supports a housing that contains a data collector having its own power supply. The pallet further supports a coupon that is made of circuit board material so that test measurements may be made simulating actual circuit board conditions as closely as possible. The pallet can accept coupons of different circuit board types such as multi-layer or double sided. The pallet further has dissimilar wire pairs embedded therein. The wire pairs have terminal portions strategically exposed along a bottom surface of the pallet located in non-contacting, but close proximity to one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus detects and locates perforations in membranes used in electrochemical cells. The membrane has first and second oppositely facing major planar surfaces. The first surface is exposed to a first reactant fluid, preferably a gaseous mixture comprising hydrogen, while the second surface is exposed to a second reactant fluid, preferably ambient air comprising oxygen. The first and second reactant fluids are substantially fluidly isolated from each other by the membrane when no perforations are present in the membrane. The first reactant fluid contacts the second reactant fluid when at least one perforation is present in the membrane. The first and second reactant fluids exothermically react upon contact, preferably in the presence of a catalyst, to generate heat, which is then detected using an infrared thermal detector or thermal imaging device or a layer of thermally sensitive film positioned in proximity with the membrane.

Abstract: A pressurized ball testing device for determining the relative pressure of tennis balls or other inflated balls whose internal pressure cannot be directly measured comprises a housing having two half shells, attached along a common axis so that the two half shells are movable along the central axis relative to each other. The interior of each half shell has a ball support centered on the central axis. The ball to be measured is placed between the two ball supports so that when the two half shells are pressed together, the ball is simultaneously compressed and held in place. The pressures are relative to a new ball or reference ball, allowing the balls to be sorted for suitability of play. Two methods of measurement are described, one using constant force and the other using constant displacement. In either case the ball to be tested is squeezed from opposite sides by finger-like protrusions to enhance the displacement of the side of the ball for a given force.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a fluid flow connector such as for oil or gas production flow is able to maintain the integrity of the seal at a junction between fluid conduits and generate a warning signal or activate a secondary seal in the event of main seal failure.The monitoring system of the invention is used with a hydraulic seal to which barrier fluid is supplied under pressure. The pressure of the barrier fluid is sensed at the seal and compared to the applied pressure. A drop in pressure indicates a leaking seal and a warning signal may be generated and/or a secondary seal brought into operation.The system is particularly useful when a plurality of junctions of conduits are present in a connector. Independent supplies of barrier fluid to the seals at each junction are provided so that identification of a leaking seal is accurate and timely.

Abstract: Electron capture detector for use with an effluent stream from a gas chromatograph includes an ionization chamber and a sample inlet system connected to the ionization chamber wherein the sample inlet system effects uniform fluid mixture of the effluent fluid and a make-up gas prior to entry of the fluid mixture into the ionization chamber. A preferred mixing device includes a column liner having a flow acceleration region wherein a localized reduction in the internal diameter of the liner causes momentary turbulence of the fluid mixture.

Abstract: A method of testing the accuracy of results obtained from an automatic viscometer is described. Firstly, provide an automatic viscometer having at least two capillary tube test sections, each of a distinct uniform diameter. Secondly, calibrate the automatic viscometer by allowing a Newtonian fluid of known viscosity to flow through each of the capillary tube test sections and recording the time duration of the flow of the Newtonian fluid through each of the capillary tube test sections. Thirdly, calculate a viscosity constant for each capillary tube test section by dividing the known viscosity by the recorded flow time. Fourthly, send a test sample through each of the capillary tube test sections and record the time duration of the flow of the test sample through each of the capillary tube test sections. Fifthly, calculate values for the viscosity of the test sample based upon the times recorded and the known viscosity constant for each of the at least two capillary tube test sections.

Abstract: A thermal conductivity measuring device includes a diaphragm portion, a thermal conductivity detector, a temperature sensor, a control section, and a thermal conductivity calculating section. The diaphragm portion is formed on a base. The thermal conductivity detector is formed in the diaphragm portion to perform conduction of heat to/from a sample gas. The temperature sensor is disposed on the base to be near the thermal conductivity detector so as to measure the ambient temperature around the base. The temperature sensor is thermally insulated from the thermal conductivity detector. The control section controls the amount of energy supplied to the thermal conductivity detector such that the temperature difference between the ambient temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the heating temperature of the thermal conductivity detector becomes a constant value.