Abstract: The present invention relates to a programmable current or voltage sensing circuit for use in measuring concentration levels of combustible gases. Generally, the present invention provides an electrical apparatus for detecting the concentration level of a combustible gas comprising a pair of sensor elements each having an electrical output which is compared to the other for measuring the amount of the gas undergoing combustion. The apparatus also generally comprises a first pair of electrical circuits each connected to one sensor element for controlling the amount of electrical current or voltage at that element, a second electrical circuit connected to both elements for comparing the electrical outputs of the sensor elements to measure the amount of gas undergoing combustion, and a third electrical circuit having a reference output signal for individually controlling the amount of electrical current or voltage generated by each of the first electrical circuits.

Abstract: A microwave microscope comprising a microwave waveguide having a probe end positioned closely above the surface to be probed such that the surface is in the near field of the microwave radiation. The end of the probe facing the surface is covered with a metallic foil or a conducting film deposited over a dielectric layer and having a rectangular slit formed therein. The long dimension of the slit is nearly resonant with the microwave, that is, just slightly longer than one-half the microwave wavelength. The short dimension is substantially shorter than long dimension and is chosen such that the slitted end is transparent to the microwave. Thereby, substantial microwave power is emitted through the slit with fine resolution that is determined by the short dimension of the slit. The probe is scanned across the surface in the direction of the short slit dimension, and its resolution is approximately equal to the short slit dimension.

Abstract: An in-situ continuous liquid analyzing system for continuously analyzing volatile components contained in a water source comprises: a carrier gas supply, an extraction container and a mass spectrometer. The carrier gas supply continuously supplies the carrier gas to the extraction container and is mixed with a water sample that is continuously drawn into the extraction container. The carrier gas continuously extracts the volatile components out of the water sample. The water sample is returned to the water source after the volatile components are extracted from it. The extracted volatile components and the carrier gas are delivered continuously to the mass spectometer and the volatile components are continuously analyzed by the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A rotary viscometer has a control mode for measuring the viscosity of a liquid sample with a high viscosity or a high yield value in an ultra-low shear rate range using a spring relaxation method. In this rotary viscometer, a pivot protecting device attains a locked state in which a pivot is separated from a bearing and a rotor shaft is locked against the rotation therein, a released state in which the lock of the rotor shaft is released while the pivot is in contact with the bearing, and a latched state disposed therebetween, in which the rotation of the rotor shaft is locked and the pivot is in contact with the bearing. Responding to user's instructions, a control device controls a locking motor to bring the pivot protecting device to a designated state, and controls a rotational driving motor in accordance with the state. For the spring relaxation measurement, the control device controls so that the spring is wound up while the pivot protecting device is in the latched state.

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: The disclosure involves a transfer switch having a stationary frame and a front terminal matrix for connection to circuit boards undergoing test. There are two stationary connectors mounted on the switch frame. A platform is supported by the frame for reciprocating movement between first and second positions. Such platform has two movable connectors thereon and when the platform is in the first position, one of the movable connectors engages or "plug-connects" to one of the stationary connectors. When the platform is in the second position, the other movable connector plug-connects to the other stationary connector. The stationary connectors are electrically coupled to respective test devices, e.g., a load board and a signal bus. Thus, the boards under test can be connected to one or the other of the test devices by shifting the position of the platform. A new method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for measuring viscosity and a viscosimeter are disclosed. Thus, a rotary measuring head (3) is introduced into a liquid (1), and the torque exerted on the measuring head (3) is sensed. The measuring head (3) is rotated at a substantially constant speed, and the torque is sensed at two depths of introduction of the measuring head (3) into the liquid (1). The viscosity of the liquid (1) is then calculated on the basis of the change in torque between the two depths of introduction and the distance therebetween.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a measuring method for determining the concentration of a gas in a measurement sample with the aid of a combined measuring apparatus. The measuring apparatus includes a first infrared optical gas analyzer 1 as well as a second gas analyzer 2, which contains an electrochemical measuring cell 13. The measuring result of the electrochemical measuring cell 13 functions to correct the concentration, which is determined by the infrared optical gas analyzer 1, when the infrared optical reference measurement has already been performed on a measurement sample with this measuring sample not being free of the substance to be detected.

Abstract: A phase difference measuring apparatus for accurately measuring the phase difference (fine time difference) of two signals with the same frequency with a reduced number of bits for A/D conversion is disclosed. In addition to output signals of an upstream side pickup and a downstream side pickup of a mass flowmeter, an output signal of the upstream side pickup or the downstream side pickup is supplied to a comparator, a PLL circuit, an antialiase filter, a sample and hold circuit, and an A/D converter. These circuits quantize these signals and send the quantized signals to a band pass filter. The band pass filter extracts a predetermined signal component and outputs it to a DFT. The DFT performs complex Fourier transformation on the input signal. Thus, the phase difference between two signals with the same frequency (such as an upstream side pickup signal and a downstream side pickup signal) can be accurately detected with a reduced number of bits for each of the A/D converters.

Abstract: A leak detection system and method for detecting leaks from a storage system containing a liquid, the leak detection method includes mixing one or more tracers soluble in the liquid to provide a liquid-tracer mixture within the storage system. The tracer provides a detectable component in the liquid-tracer mixture if the liquid-tracer mixture escapes the storage system through a leak. A subsurface sampling device is positioned near the storage system. The sampling device contains an adsorption material for adsorbing tracer from the liquid-tracer mixture that leaks from the system. The adsorption material is a hydrophobic, porous material. In one embodiment, a plurality of sampling devices are contained within a plurality of subsurface monitoring wells positioned around the storage system.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a leak in the storage tank which includes a transducer for detecting and converting a mechanical wave into an electrical signal, a support tube having an upper end extending outside of the tank and a lower end extending inside the tank into the fluid medium. The transducer is affixed to the lower end of the support tube. A signal processing unit for processing the electrical signal, and electrical cable for transmitting the electrical signal from the transducer to the signal processing unit is also present. A method of using the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A leakage detect tool, a system and method for the testing of gas leakage from a vacuum bellows is described. The leakage detect tool has a main cylindrical pipe having an auto-stop plate at one end of the main cylindrical pipe and a main flange at the other end of the main cylindrical pipe. A secondary cylindrical pipe is attached to the side wall of the main cylindrical pipe at an angle. A secondary flange is attached to the secondary cylindrical pipe at the end opposite the main cylindrical pipe. A vacuum bellows is placed within the main cylindrical pipe, a top flange seals the vacuum bellows to the main flange, and a test gas (tracer gas) is instilled to inflate the vacuum bellows. An interior space between the vacuum bellows and the side wall of the main cylindrical pipe is evacuated by a vacuum pump that is coupled to the secondary flange. A test gas detector is coupled to the secondary flange and activated to detect the presence of the test gas in the interior space of the main cylindrical pipe.

Abstract: A method of assaying the compressive strength of rock comprises testing a primary plurality of rock samples of similar lithology, at least some of which have different porosities, to determine, for each sample respectively, a value corresponding to compressive strength and a value corresponding to porosity. A first series of pairs of electrical compressive strength and porosity signals, the signals of each pair corresponding, respectively, to the compressive strength and porosity values for a respective one of the samples, is generated. These signals are processed by a computer to extrapolate additional such pairs of signals and generate a second series of electrical signals corresponding to compressive strength as a function of porosity. The second series of signals may correspond to unconfined compressive strength, and may be further processed, to generate a cumulative series of signals, using electrical adjustment signals corresponding to other conditions affecting the compressive strength of the rock.

Abstract: A sensor has a temperature in a range from 700.degree. to 850.degree. C. for detecting methane, and an oxygen-sensitive semiconducting metal oxide. A method for operating a gas sensor having two electrodes, an oxygen-sensitive semiconducting metal oxide conductively connecting the electrodes to one another, and a heating element, includes heating the metal oxide to a constant temperature in a range from 700.degree. to 850.degree. C., and measuring the resistance, conductivity or relative permeability of the metal oxide.

Abstract: In an electric conductivity measurement circuit according to the invention, there are provided first and second cores for forming a closed flux loop in a liquid whose electric conductivity is to be measured, a first coil is wound on the first core, and a second coil is wound on the second core in a direction opposite to the direction of the winding of the first coil, a closed circuit includes the first and second coils, a reference resistor Rr and switch means, and the switch means is periodically turned on and off to periodically incorporate the reference resistor Rr in the closed circuit, thereby calculating the electric conductivity of the liquid by comparing a voltage induced at the second coil where the reference resistor Rr is incorporated in the closed circuit, with a voltage induced at the second coil where the reference resistor Rr is not incorporated in the closed circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for leak testing a closed container having a substantially flexible wall structure wherein a compressive force is applied to the wall structure such that the wall structure is displaced from a first position to a second position. The compressive force is maintained for a pre-determined first period of time to stabilize the container wall structure. After the stabilization period, the compressive force is released wherein the wall structure commences recovery from the second position toward the first position. The wall structure recovery from the second position is measured at a pre-determined second period of time.

Abstract: An improved total dissolved gas pressure collector has a high ratio of surface area to internal volume and is configured in a compact unit which still permits good fluid flow across it. The module forms part of an improved gas sensor package having high sensitivity (e.g., less than 0.1 mm Hg, preferably less than 0.05 mm Hg) and rapid response times (e.g., less than 5 minutes to 99% of equilibrium, preferably less than 2 minutes to this value). The module comprises: a base having an opening therein; a resilient fitting in said opening in the base; a plurality of upstanding capillary tube supports; an elongated, gas-permeable capillary tube having defined internal volume and defined external surface area, the tube being closed at one end which is secured to one of the supports and having one end adapted to communicate with a total gas pressure transducer through the resilient fitting. Also provided are an acquisition and analysis system including the module, and a method for making the improved module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining a recording or log of measurements substantially comparable to the acoustic impedance of the formations crossed through by the borehole. The measurements are obtained from an acceleration detector (11) placed in the drill string (2) between the rock-breaking bit (7) and mechanical uncoupling system (12) set between certain elements of the string. A measurement representative of the acoustic impedance of the drilled formations is obtained by processing the signal by a function of the rotating speed of the drill bit and of the depth.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a sealed package, wherein whether the sealed package has any pinholes or not can be efficiently determined without damaging the sealed package packaged with electrically insulating films and without any dangers caused by a voltage applied to electrodes in the inspection. A sealed package 3 in which electrically conductive contents 1 such as fluid are wrapped with electrically insulating films 2 is sandwiched between a pair of electrode plates 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2 facing each other, which are connected with a capacitance meter 10. An end portion 3a to be inspected which is most liable to have pinholes in the sealed package 3 is immersed in salt water (one percent sodium chloride solution) 5 with which a stainless tank 6 connected with one electrode plate 4.sub.2 of the pair is filled, and the capacitance between both the electrode plates 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2 is measured.

Abstract: A rigid body comprising two cylindrical chambers (14, 15) with a pointed bottom for example, connected to each other by a fine line controlled by a valve V5, is fixed in a thermostat-controlled enclosure (7). Two rods (18, 17) forming pistons, provided with prestressed seals (J), can slide in these chambers, separately or coupled with one another. Their shape is suited to that of the bottom of the chambers. These rods are moved by shifting vertically hangers (12, 13) integral therewith, by means of threaded rods (8, 10) driven into rotation on demand by motors (ME1, ME2). A control unit comprising two optical display and locating blocks (19, 20) running right through the body near the bottom of the lower chamber (14), pressure, temperature and displacement detectors, under the control of a micro-computer, allows precise thermodynamic measurements to be achieved on substance samples at high pressure and temperature values. A gasometer is preferably placed in enclosure (7).