Abstract: A pressure cell for subjecting a liquid-absorbent article to static compression; employed for conducting liquid-absorbency test procedures. The pressure cell includes an inflatable bag which compresses the absorbent article while conforming to its tri-dimensional configuration in order to achieve a uniform pressure distribution. The pressure cell is particularly suitable for conducting tests on non-planar, anatomically shaped absorbent articles or test samples that undergo a change in volume upon wetting. The invention also extends to a method for conditioning a liquid-absorbent article by the application of pressure during experimental liquid-absorbency procedures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in installing a through-the-wall sensing device in a laboratory fume hood. The apparatus includes a sample tube with an outlet and a plurality of apertures and the tube is interconnected to an anemometer. The method includes placing the outlet in a number of positions inside of a fume hood to simulate a sidewall adapter for a through-the-wall sensing device in order to locate an optimum position for a through-the-wall sensing device. The method also includes fixing the sample tube in a number of positions within the fume hood while variably covering some of the apertures to simulate numerous locations and configurations for an averaging tube used with a through-the-wall sensing device. Therefore, an optimum location and configuration for an averaging tube can be readily determined.

Abstract: A fast and accurate pressure charge controller to inflate a tire or a pressure container to a desired pressure with an air or a gas compressor supplied pressure without regulation of the supplied pressure and without using a pressure gauge or any hand-held pressure measurement device to measure the charged pressure at the vicinity of the tire or the container, to stop charging and to send out either an audio or a visual signal when desired tire or the container's pressure is reached. The controller is also able to release over charged tires or pressure containers to desired pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for regulating discounts on merchandise distributed through networked computer systems. The method and system involve the use of discount coupons valid toward the repurchase of the merchandise. These discount coupons include mechanisms for verifying the validity of the coupons. A system in which the present invention operates includes a vendor computer system and a user computer system connected via a network. The vendor and user computer systems each include a computer connected to a display device, a keyboard, and a secondary storage device. A vendor discount regulator and a user discount regulator are stored in the vendor/user secondary storage devices for execution by the vendor/user computers. In operation, when a user desires to purchase merchandise, the user creates a request to purchase the merchandise and sends the request to purchase to a vendor.

Abstract: A device for continuously measuring the quantity of coal inside a ball grinder including an ultrasound wave or electromagnetic wave emitter and a wave receiver. The emitter and the receiver are disposed so that the wave passes through at least part of the interior of the grinder. The receiver is associated with an electronic circuit for deducing the quantity of coal by comparing the signal received with data obtained from previous calibration measurements.

Abstract: A method of embedding auxiliary information into the digital representation of host data containing noise in the low-order bits. The method applies to digital data representing analog signals, for example digital images. The method reduces the error introduced by other methods that replace the low-order bits with auxiliary information. By a substantially reverse process, the embedded auxiliary data can be retrieved easily by an authorized user through use of a digital key. The modular error embedding method includes a process to permute the order in which the host data values are processed. The method doubles the amount of auxiliary information that can be added to host data values, in comparison with bit-replacement methods for high bit-rate coding. The invention preserves human perception of the meaning and content of the host data, permitting the addition of auxiliary data in the amount of 50% or greater of the original host data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide a controlled, dynamically loaded, modular, cryptographic filler for integration into a base executable having a "slot" minimizing the interface between the filler and the base executable, and between individual component modules in the filler. Cryptographic engines provide for security (privacy and integrity) of data. The base executable having potential cryptographic capability may rely on an integrated loader to control linking of the filler and its modules according to a controlling policy set by export or import laws. A base executable may be a network operating system having a "slot" for dynamically linking the filler and its modules. Modules may be created by a third party vendor within controls enforced by the loader and a management module in the filler. Asymmetric key cryptography may assure that modules have not been modified, functionally extended, or created by unauthorized sources, and may ensure that keys used in the modules come only from authorized sources.

Abstract: Gas pressure in a chamber is determined by injecting alpha particles. The alpha particles ionize the gas. By determining a number of gas ions which are ionized, the pressure of the gas in the chamber can be determined.

Abstract: Temperature probes are provided comprising a porous or permeable substrate into which is absorbed at least at the surface a diyne monomer. The absorption is achieved by employing a solution of the diyne monomer in a solvent which is transported by the solid substrate. After impregnation of the substrate, the diyne is polymerized to provide a blue product, which upon being heated above a transition temperature turns to red. Various substrates and devices may be employed for a variety of situations requiring a determination of the occurrence of a particular minimum temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting and measuring body fluid comprises a measurement container which is provided with a fluid inlet (2) at its uppermost end and at its lowermost end has a fluid outlet (3) where a rod-shaped valve means (4) is arranged, wherein the measurement container is constructed with an opening in the upper area through which opening the valve means may be activated, a fluid collection bag connected to the fluid outlet and suspended from the measurement container and flexible connecting element (7), e.g. a bellows, which is mounted on the one hand on a rim region of the opening in the measurement container and on the other hand on the valve means, as the flexible connection (7) allows axial movement of the valve manes (4, 5) relative to the measurement container (1).

Abstract: An FM multiple radio broadcasting receiver includes a data group number and data packet number derivation circuit by which a data group number and a data packet number included in a prefix of FM subcarrier data are derived. A first random number generator generates a first random number on the basis of the data group number, the data packet number and scramble key data which is outputted from a scramble key generation circuit, and sets the first random number in a second random number generator as its initial value. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately scramble or descramble with using packet structure of the FM subcarrier data.

Abstract: New types of fiberoptic microbend sensors are in the form of flexible tapes wherein single or multiple layers of mechanically tough flexible tapes form two outside surfaces of the sensors including between them one or more continuous elongated optical fibers, a variety of monofilaments, wires, threads, meshes, ribbons and or like elements to act as deformers to the optical fiber and sufficient adhesive material to form a permanent flexible tape structure. Additional layers of film, optical fibers, and/or deformer elements may be included to augment or modify the intensity of light that issues from the output end of the optical fibers when they are illuminated at their input end while the surface films of the sensor are subjected to pressure, such as when the sensors are used to weight or detect passage of automobiles. Detection or measuring systems and methods using the flexible sensor tapes are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of decreasing the bulge of gable top cartons by evaluating and modifying top sealing heat patterns. Cartons are formed, dye stained and the quality of the seal evaluated for heat damage and top seal quality. The heating pattern is adjusted as required, and the resulting heat seal is reevaluated to determine if further adjustments are required, so that the resulting cartons can achieve a near air-tight condition in the headspace of the carton to thereby resist bulging.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for measuring total surface area of a portion of catalytic metal particles carried on the surfaces of pores in a carrier of a catalyst, comprising a device for supplying the pores with a first gas under a predetermined pressure to mask the surfaces of the catalytic metal particles carried on a first portion of the surfaces of said pores, which first portion has a radius less than a radius determined by the predetermined pressure of said first gas and a device for supplying said pores with a second gas which is to be adsorbed on the surfaces of said catalytic metal particles carried on a second portion of the surfaces of said pores, which second portion has a radius equal to or greater than the radius determined by the predetermined pressure, and is not masked by said first gas.

Abstract: A secondary seal assembly is used with a process instrument including a probe assembly and an electric housing assembly. The probe assembly includes an adaptor receivable in an opening of a process vessel, a probe extending through the adaptor into the process vessel, and a primary seal between the probe and the adaptor. A probe terminal provides an electrical connection between the probe and the electric housing assembly. The secondary seal comprises an elongate extension housing adapted to be mechanically connected at one end to the adaptor and at another end to the electric housing assembly. A shaft insert is received in the extension housing having a terminal at each of opposite ends, a first terminal for providing an electrical connection to the electric housing assembly and a second terminal for providing an electrical connection to the probe terminal. A seal between the shaft insert and the extension housing provides a secondary seal to the process vessel.

Abstract: A system for measuring fluid mass flow in a conduit in which there exists a pressure differential in the fluid between at least two spaced-apart locations in the conduit. The system includes a first pressure transducer disposed in the side of the conduit at a first location for measuring pressure of fluid at that location, a second or more pressure transducers disposed in the side of the conduit at a second location, for making multiple measurements of pressure of fluid in the conduit at that location, and a computer for computing the average pressure of the multiple measurements at the second location and for computing flow rate of fluid in the conduit from the pressure measurement by the first pressure transducer and from the average pressure calculation of the multiple measurements.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a detection unit 1 having capacities C1 and C2 varied by a predetermined external action, a reference detection 2 unvaried by the predetermined external action, a first oscillator 31 and 32 for generating a detection frequency signal according to the capacities C1 and C2 of the detection unit 1, a second oscillator 33 for producing a reference frequency signal according to the capacity of the reference unit 2, and measuring circuits 34, 35, 36 and 37 for measuring the number of the periods of the detection frequency signal within a predetermined period of the reference frequency signal to produce a measured signal. The sensor can minimize a detection error, and directly convert the change of capacity into a pulse signal (digital signal) without convertion into an analog, so that the circuit construction be simplified and realized at a reduced cost.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement for checking the tightness of a vessel such as a tank system of a motor vehicle. The vessel can have a possible leak and this can be viewed as a first flow resistor. The arrangement includes a pressure source for generating a pressure change in the vessel and a pressure divider system is connected between the pressure source and the vessel which is subjected to the pressure change. The pressure divider system is defined by and includes the first flow resistor and a reference branch having a predetermined second flow resistor. A pressure sensor measures the pressure relationships in the pressure divider system. The invention provides a reliable statement as to a possible leak in the tank system of a motor vehicle while providing a simple and therefore cost effective manufacture. The pressure source used to check the tightness can be utilized for other tasks required in a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a method for checking the tightness of the vessel.

Abstract: Digital product dissemination and sale occurs across a broad spectrum of distribution platforms making available a packaged digital product for wide spread public distribution. Execution of a packaged digital product on a purchasing consumer's personal computer provides opportunity to the user-consumer for purchase and delivery of the digital product. The user-consumer triggers a purchase step conducted automatically and directly between the personal computer and a bank network. A publishing merchant need not be involved in the purchase step other than receiving credit for the purchase in the credit card bank network. Delivery of the digital product following purchase occurs automatically and without use of cumbersome encryption keys.

Abstract: A dual-action disconnect valve mechanism for a double column manometer that simultaneously disconnects both tubes of the manometer from external pressure regions or sources, and a fluid displacement reservoir conveniently adjustable for varying the device's reservoir capacity and the height of liquid in the tubes, this adjustment being by a screw type adjustment which easily and conveniently achieves an accurate condition of the liquid levels being substantially exactly at the zero calibration marking. The concepts provide that supplying the manometer liquid at a precise height along the calibration scale without having to move the scale relative to the tubes.