Abstract: A ship's bottom inspection apparatus which includes a generally U-shaped mework which is adapted to be submerged for receiving the width of a ship therebetween. A series of cameras are mounted in a spaced relationship along the framework to view vertically upward. A series of lights are mounted in a spaced relationship along the framework at an acute angle to vertical and directed generally toward the viewing area of the cameras so that backscattering is minimized while ship bottom discontinuities are made evident by shadow effects. In this manner multiple photographs can be taken of the ship's bottom to display any possible structural defects.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely monitoring air leakage in communication cables. Improved volume flow meters are remotely attached at the air inlet to manhole mounted manifolds for supply of dehumidified air to telephone cables. Dehumidified air passes through the remote meters into the manifolds and then interior of a sheath of a communication cable wherein the discrete conduits can be kept dry and under air pressure. The remote volume flow meter at each manifold includes a diaphragm having an air flow conduit mounted in movable opposition to a variable area orifice. The diaphragm actuates a variable resistor, which preferably includes a tailored neutral density wedge. This wedge moves with the diaphragm towards and away from a position between a light source and a photo sensor. The volume flow meter receives its power through and also has its output communicated through a single pair of wires.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and device for measuring the level and the specific gravity of a liquid e.g. liquified methane, contained in large-capacity tanks.The installation comprises two hydrostatic probes for spray a neutral gas into the tank, the first probe emerging near the bottom of the tank and the second slightly below the maximum filling level, a pressure differential/electric voltage transducer each of whose two inputs is connected to a hydrostatic probe, a system for numerically displaying the level and the specific gravity of the liquid contained in the tank, at least one pick-up capable of transmitting a signal when the liquid reaches the predetermined level in the tank, and a device for adjusting the value of the specific gravity of the liquid when the liquid reaches the predetermined level in the tank.

Abstract: To measure compressions and settlements in the foundations of heavy structures, a continuous loop of tubing is installed within the foundation of the structure, with the open ends of the loop brought to a convenient, accessible terminal point. A liquid interface between a heavy density fluid and a light density fluid is moved through the tubing, the particular fluid on either side of the interface being continuous back to the terminal. The pressure difference resulting from the difference in densities of the two fluids, and the changes in height between the fluid interface within the tubing and the constant upper surface of the driving heavy density fluid in the terminal, is sensed by a pressure transducer fitted within the terminal to the light density fluid in the discharge leg of the loop.

Abstract: A level-sensitive system responsive to the level of liquid in a container is provided. A level-sensitive device, e.g. a gauge or pressure switch, is connected by a line to a lower portion of the container. Gas, specifically air, is supplied to the line under pressure sufficient to enable the gas to pass slowly into the container and to bubble upwardly, thereby keeping the liquid out of the line and away from the level-sensitive device. The flow of the gas is sufficiently slow that it does not affect the operation of the level-sensitive device. A liquid such as water also can be supplied to the line under pressure to flow into the container. The quantity of the water is also maintained small enough so as not to affect the operation of the level-sensitive device. The water is effective to prevent growth of fungus or the like in the liquid of the container which otherwise can form adjacent the line leading into the container and block the line after a period of time.

Abstract: A urine metering and collection system is disclosed which includes a relatively stiff integral head member having a volume calibrated chamber with sidewalls continuously converging downwardly towards each other such that each horizontal section of the chamber has a smaller volume per unit of height than does the next adjacent upper horizontal section throughout a major portion of the length of the chamber, an outlet passageway adjacent the bottom of the chamber, an inlet passageway adjacent the top of the chamber, an overflow passageway having one end in fluid-flow communication with the top of the chamber and an air vent communicating with the chamber; a collection bag fixedly secured to the head member below the chamber and in flow communication with the outlet overflow passageway, which also serves as a vent for the bag, and including an opening and a drain tube; and conduit means for placing the chamber outlet passageway and the collection bag opening in flow communication, the conduit means preferably ha

Abstract: A pipeline pig for locating constrictions or irregularities on the inner surface of a pipeline consists of a fluid-filled envelope, such as a rubber or rubberlike spherical or toroidal ball, arranged to be a close fit within the pipeline, and means for sensing pressure variations within the envelope. The distance travelled along the pipeline by the pig may be measured by means of a contact wheel running on the pipeline surface and provided with a revolution counter.

Abstract: A dial pressure gage having a back-check valve with hand-operated pressure-relief control for maintaining readout on the gage for as long as desired combined with a length of flexible hose and quick-disconnect coupler for easy adaptation to and remote sensing of pressure.

Abstract: A disposable thermometer is provided with an elongated, transparent housing in a first portion of which is formed a plurality of cavities for receiving temperature indicating means that melt at different temperatures when an elongated, thermally conductive carrier is placed in an orifice of the user's body. The temperature indicating means are initially contained in a solid state within openings in the carrier and are discharged therefrom into the cavities by an elastomeric member that is compressed by the sliding action of a cooperating member. In one embodiment of the invention the openings in the carrier are conical.

Abstract: A device for testing the level, uniformity and duration of the temperature in a sterilization apparatus, such as a steam sterilizer or the like. The device comprises a unitary support means adapted to be positioned in the sterilization apparatus. First temperature responsive means is arranged in a predetermined manner on one surface of the support means. The first means is adapted to change condition, e.g., color, when exposed to a predetermined temperature to indicate the uniformity of the temperature to which the support means is exposed in the sterilization apparatus. A second temperature responsive means is mounted on the support means substantially at the center portion thereof. In practice, the second means changes condition when exposed to a selected temperature for a predetermined time period, thereby indicating whether the center portion of the support means has been exposed to the selected temperature for a sufficient time period.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed of a malonic acid derivative, a resinous carrier, and a solvent. The composition is applied to a portion of an electrical apparatus which is exposed to a gas stream. The solvent in the composition is evaporated to produce a thermoparticulating coating. When the electrical apparatus overheats the malonic acid derivative in the coating forms particles in the gas stream which are detected by a monitor.

Abstract: A continuous metallurgical process such as electroslag refining or continuous casting is continuously monitored by surrounding the area of the melt with a hollow sleeve that contains a continuous helical passageway through which a coolant is continuously passed. The temperature of the coolant is continuously monitored at a plurality of points spaced apart axially of the sleeve, thereby to determine not the temperature of the adjacent metal or slag, but rather the quantity of heat transmitted by that adjacent metal or slag. In this way, the location of the solid metal, the molten metal and the slag, as well as other useful parameters, can be continuously monitored.

Abstract: The level of liquid in a tank or a boiler is determined initially by enclosing the liquid in a column and then sensing the liquid surface in the column by causing a plunger to pass through the non-liquid medium in the column above the liquid to the liquid surface and noting the abrupt change in descent rate of the plunger when it hits the liquid surface due to the great difference between the viscosities of the non-liquid and liquid mediums. The level of liquid in the boiler is reflected on a continuing basis by permitting the plunger to float or levitate in or on the liquid as it is supported by an entrapped gas bubble. The difference in the position of the plunger when it encounters the liquid surface and the position of the plunger thereafter, as it is supported on the liquid is the correction factor that is maintained steadily until pressure or temperature changes necessitate a new determination of that difference with a fresh gas bubble at the current temperature and pressure.

Abstract: Two photoelements with inputs for different wave lengths of radiation from a common source are serially connected individually to the inputs of high gain inverting amplifiers with feedback to adjust the voltage across the photoelement to zero, so that the outputs of the amplifiers are proportional to the short circuit currents through the photoelements. An algebraic calculating circuit forms the ratio of the outputs of the amplifier and provides for indication and/or control. The effectiveness of this ratio output is controlled in dependence upon proper orientation to the radiation emitting source.

Abstract: A system for providing information to a scuba diver relating to his position and movement in a body of water, including electronic circuitry for generating electrical signals reflective of the pressure over a period of time, and for comparing such signals with signals reflective of predetermined maximum rates of pressure change required for safe ascent. The system warns the diver when his rate of ascent exceeds the maximum allowable rate. The circuitry of the system generates additional signals for informing the diver of his direction of vertical movement, his down time, his depth, and the water temperature.

Abstract: A work fixture is provided for testing leak-proof wearing apparel such as rubber gloves. The fixture comprises a leak-proof pneumatic clamp for mounting each article of apparel. The fixture also comprises means for folding the article while removing it from the fixture.

Abstract: A servo system employs a dual element wind direction sensor mounted on a rotatable support that can be driven in opposite directions by a reversible motor. The sensor employs a pair of closely spaced, elongate, hot wire elements that extend side by side along the sensor's longitudinal axis. The hot wire elements are heated to a temperature that is a fixed amount above the ambient temperature. The two hot wire elements are equally ventilated only when the wind blows directly along the longitudinal axis of the sensor. Because the resistance of the hot wire elements varies with temperature, an unabalance signal is generated when the elements are unequally ventilated by an "off-axis" wind. The unbalance signal causes the motor to turn the rotatable support to the position where the wind is directed along the sensor's longitudinal axis. Consequently the servo system acts to keep the longitudinal axis of the sensor pointed into the wind.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring airtightness of sealed bodies such as waterproof wristwatches. The apparatus comprises airtightly sealed container for an object to measure, means connected to the container for varying inner pressure thereof, and means for electrically detecting mechanical strain occurring at the surface of the object in the container when subjected to a varied pressure. The detection is performed, for precision purpose, by means of measurements of variations in reactance, electrostatic capacitance or the like responsive to changes in slight clearance between magnetic or conductive member engaged to a surface of the object and detecting coil or electrode opposed to the member due to the strain, or, for simpler determination purpose, by means of ON-OFF operation of relay contact means including stationary contact opposed to the object surface and movable contact engaged to the surface.

Abstract: A food temperature-sensing probe assembly for monitoring the internal temperature of food while it is being cooked in a microwave oven includes a disc-like reflector mounted at a fixed position on the probe housing a predetermined distance from the tip of the probe housing. The probe housing is adapted to be driven into the food so that the reflector is adjacent to, but spaced from, the food. The reflector serves to prevent overcooking of the food in a region immediately adjacent the probe. An indicator on the probe housing shows the minimum recommended insertion depth of the probe into the food, and therefore the maximum reflector-to-food spacing, for effective shielding. The reflector and the handle may be formed as a single assembly held together by insert molding.

Abstract: A level indicator using an indirect method of measuring a gas pressure in order to check the level of a liquid such as the lubricant contained in the crankcase of an internal combustion engine. The level indicator includes preferably a liquid column gas-pressure gauge formed of a straight measuring tube having one end immersed in the barometric liquid contained in a reservoir, and an electrical heating resistance is located in the enclosure of the reservoir above the barometric liquid. The enclosure communicates with a tubular probe immersed in the liquid whose level is to be checked. Voltage applied to the resistance generates heat which as a result of the thermal expansion of the gas causes the gas-pressure in the enclosure to become sufficient for causing the gas to bubble in the liquid, so that the gas-pressure which is read off the pressure gauge is representative of the depth at which the probe is immersed.