Abstract: A dynamometer for a snowmobile includes a pair of driver wheels which replace the tension idler wheels so as to contact the inside of the snowmobile track. The regular snowmobile tension idler wheels are removed, and the driver wheels are positioned on the idler wheel axle. In the alternative, the dynamometer is attached to the existing tension idler wheels by a coupling plate. In the alternative embodiment, the tension idler wheels are configured for power take off by including pins forming a quick connect coupling mechanism. The quick connect coupling mechanism permits the dynamometer to be connected to the snowmobile without having to remove and replace the tension idler wheels with a different pair of driver wheels. A jack is provided to lift the snowmobile track clear of the ground by applying a lifting force between the ground and the tension idler wheel axle. The dynamometer and jack are integrated so as to share common components.

Abstract: An open-channel flowmeter is calibrated by the use of local velocity and level characteristics existing at a given site, as measured by the flowmeter itself. Stored reference relationships that have been either theoretically or experimentally derived are compared to the velocity level relationships at any particular site so as to determine a correction factor which is valid at that site so as to modify the sensed velocity to be an accurate approximation of the average velocity under those site conditions. A local velocity signal is modified so as to make it an accurate approximation of the mean velocity for open-channel flowmeters of the level/velocity type.

Abstract: A force sensor and method for making same. A pair of backing sheets having confronting surfaces are substantially covered with conductive ink to form a pair of conductive layers. At least one of the conductive layers is coated with a semiconductive ink. The backing sheets are secured to each other with an interposed layer of non-conductive or insulative material, such as adhesive. The layer of non-conductive material is deposited in a pattern and defines at least one sensing area. Only when orthogonal force is exerted against the backing sheets at a location corresponding to the sensing area will current flow between the conductive layers.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the mass flow of a fluid within a defined fluid stream including a conduit having two substantially parallel, flexible and continuous flow tubes fixedly mounted at their ends to a centrally positioned housing forming a flow splitter and a flow converger for directing the flow from the inlet and for directing the flow into the outlet between the apparatus and the fluid stream. The ends of each flow tube positioned proximal to one another and to the center of gravity formed by the shape of the flow tube. Each flow tube substantially forming a "B" shape having a first loop, a connecting portion and a second loop. The first and second loops being symmetrical with respect to the connecting portion and extending laterally from the center of gravity at a greater distance than the displacement of the connecting portion to the center of gravity.

Abstract: A strain sensor device is attached to a cylindrical structural member for measuring the amount of twist of the member about an axis of rotation and includes a central beam, which is aligned parallel to the axis of rotation of the structural member and is fastened in between two mounting members which are themselves fixedly secured to the structural member. When torsion occurs in the structural member, the one mounting member will move in a relative direction parallel to the other mounting member but offset by the length of the central beam. The central beam is significantly less rigid than the mounting blocks and bends to accommodate the movement. Four strain gauges are secured to the central beam in a bridge circuit to measure bending of the beam. The bridge circuit generates electrical signals proportional to the angle of twist and the torsional load on the structural member.

Abstract: A system of atmospheric remote sensing instruments that utilize a common phased-array acoustic antenna so as to take temperature and wind measurements over a wide range of altitudes. One of the atmospheric remote sensing instruments in the system is a monostatic SODAR that takes wind measurements by transmitting pulses of acoustic energy into the atmosphere and then measuring received reflected acoustic energy. The acoustic pulses are both transmitted and received by the common phased-array acoustic antenna. Another of the atmospheric remote sensing instruments in the system is a wind profiling radar that takes wind measurements by transmitting pulses of electromagnetic energy into the atmosphere and then measuring received backscattered electromagnetic energy. The pulses of electromagnetic energy are both transmitted and received by a phased-array radar antenna.

Abstract: A variable capacitance type pressure sensor with excellent manufacturability center-mounts an electrode on an edge-mounted diaphragm using a metal-glass-metal subassembly. An inner metal post of the assembly is welded to the diaphragm. A solder or flowable cement secures the electrode to an outer metal collar of the assembly with the initial diaphragm-to-electrode spacing set by a temporary shim. The position of the glass and the physical lengths of the metallic members of the assembly are adjusted to provide self-compensation for temperature variations. In a preferred form for low and medium pressure applications, the diaphragm is stamped from sheet metal with a central dimple that resists rotation of the attached assembly and isolates diaphragm deformation stresses from the post-to-diaphragm weld. In a high pressure form, a machined central boss isolates this weld from stress.

Abstract: A method and a device for simultaneously measuring the flow speed and the depth of a river is provided. The method and the device use ultrasonic wave to measure average flow speeds at a plurality of points in the water flow of a river to measure the flow rate of the river. The device comprises a vertical rod (7), and inclined rod (9), a vertical rod cylinder (8) movable up and down along the vertical rod, an inclined rod cylinder (10), through which the inclined rod can move, installed at an axis fixed perpendicular to the vertical rod cylinder (8), an angle sensor (15) measuring the angle between the vertical rod (7) and the inclined rod (9), support rods (14) installed at said axis and the ends of the vertical rod and the inclined rod (9) opposite to said axis, ultrasonic vibrators (4, 4', 6, 6') installed at the ends of said support rods (14) spaced from the vertical rod and the inclined rod, a level (11) attached to the top of the vertical rod (7), and a calculating part (16).

Abstract: A rain gauge comprising a graduated open end rain collection tube having fins on its lower end. The tube is pivotally mounted at its mid point on a pin secured to one end of a swivel arm rudder, the other end of said swivel arm rudder being mounted for rotation on the end of a support rod stuck into the ground. Wind on the rudder and fins causes the tube to tilt and turn into the wind with the open end facing the rain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressure testing valves utilizes a seal plate having a mounting plate disposed on one of its ends and a sealing surface on its other end, and a mounting plate cradle is provided for releaseably securing the mounting plate to a cradle support plate, whereby the seal plate may be readily installed within a valve testing machine without the necessity of screwing or bolting the seal plate within the valve testing machine.

Abstract: A sound detection and ranging (SODAR) system for taking wind measurements by sending out acoustic pulses and then measuring acoustic energy reflected back to the instrument by the atmosphere. The acoustic pulses are formed using digital beamforming technology which allows the acoustic pulses to be steered independent of frequency due to a time delay design. Also, the present invention SODAR instrument allows wideband capability that is limited only by the dimensions of the antenna array. Furthermore, the present invention SODAR instrument allows the acoustic pulses to be variably steered and allows multiple acoustic beams to be simultaneously received.

Abstract: An ultrasonic fluid vibrating type flowmeter comprising a set of ultrasonic transmitter and ultrasonic receiver mounted on a pipe carrying the fluid whose flow rate is to be measured; driving device for intermittently driving the transmitter using burst waves containing an oscillation frequency to cause the transmitter to apply ultrasonic signals to the fluid and cause its vibration; standard timing device for generating a standard signal to control the timing of the burst waves whereby the receiver receives an amplitude modulated signal whose amplitude is modulated by the frequency modulation caused by vibration of the fluid; and sampling device for sampling an envelope of the amplitude modulated signal in synchronism with the standard signal and at times governed by a predetermined function, whereby the vibration frequency of the fluid is detected from the sampled amplitude modulated envelope while concurrently removing noise influences.

Abstract: Device for load measurement in roller bearings whereby the measurement is carried out by sensors arranged to measure forces applied on a bearing, and which communicates with circuitry for recording, processing and evaluation of signals emitted from the sensors, which are representative of the bearing load. At least one roller body (4a, 4b) per roller body row is provided with at least one bore (7) in which is provided at least one sensor (8), as well as circuitry (9, 10) for amplification and transmission of signals emitted from said sensor to a receiver (11) provided at the non-rotating bearing ring of the bearing. From the receiver, these signals are conducted further to external circuitry for signal processing, and so on.

Abstract: Testing device for wipper hooks on vessels. The testing device comprises a pontoon to be positioned against the vessel on which the wipper hooks have to be tested. The pontoon can be displaced relative to the vessel with the help of winches. On the pontoon traction elements are provided to exert a traction force on the wipper hook to be tested. This force is measured by a load cell integrated in the line system connecting the pontoon and the wipper hook during testing.

Abstract: A force sensor comprises a substrate having a movable unit which is displaceable in response to one of an applied force and acceleration; an electron emission unit having a cathode for emitting electrons in accordance with an applied potential; an electron absorption unit having an anode for capturing electrons emitted from the cathode, the electron emission unit and the electron absorption unit being formed on a surface of the substrate; and a control unit for, on the basis of the displacement of the movable unit, controlling the electron capturing efficiency of the anode with respect to electrons emitted from the cathode.

Abstract: A vertical dropped-weight impact test machine has a dropped-weight barrel vertically supported on upper and lower support brackets. The dropped-weight barrel is chambered to receive a dropped-weight assembly having a latch pin at its upper end, a damping unit in the middle, and a tup at its lower end. The tup is adapted for gathering data during impact testing. The latch pin releasably engages a latch pin coupling assembly. The latch pin coupling assembly is attached to a winch via a halyard for raising and lowering the dropped-weight assembly. The lower end of the dropped-weight barrel is provided with a bounce-back arresting mechanism which is activated by the descending passage of the dropped-weight assembly. After striking the specimen, the dropped-weight assembly rebounds vertically and is caught by the bounce-back arresting mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sizing a surface-connected planar crack through a gas- or liquid-filled gap. Ultrasonic energy having a frequency equal to the resonant frequency of the gap is emitted toward the crack edge. A first portion of the energy is back-scattered by the crack edge toward the emitter in a detection mode and a second portion is scattered by the crack edge toward a surface to which the crack is connected, which reflects the second portion toward a detector. The difference between the respective times-of-flight from emission to detection of the first and second portions is measured and used to determine the depth of penetration of the surface-connected crack. The paths traveled by the first and second portions of said emitted ultrasonic energy substantially intersect at the gap. A similar method also applies in sizing buried planar cracks across fluid-filled gaps.

Abstract: A force sensor comprises a substrate having a movable unit which is displaceable in response to one of an applied force and acceleration; an electron emission unit having a cathode for emitting electrons in accordance with an applied potential; an electron absorption unit having an anode for capturing electrons emitted from the cathode, the electron emission unit and the electron absorption unit being formed on a surface of the substrate; and a control unit for, on the basis of the displacement of the movable unit, controlling the electron capturing efficiency of the anode with respect to electrons emitted from the cathode.

Abstract: Torque on a rotating or stationary shaft is measured by an apparatus that includes a light source for emitting light along a light path; a reflection grating fixed to the shaft along the light path reflecting and diffracting the light; and a light detector having a plurality of light detecting elements for receiving the reflected and diffracted light. Torque on the shaft produces a change in the grating spacing of the grating, which in turn produces a change of diffraction angle of the reflected light, thereby causing a different element of the light detector to receive the light.

Abstract: Force detector (5) fitted with a blade carrying a strain gauge (12) and with a fixed support (10) and a mobile support (11) in which are respectively accommodated a first and second end of the said blade, the relative displacements of the two supports enabling the forces applied to the mobile support to be detected. In order to accommodate at least one of the said ends in its own support, the said support comprises a U-shaped member (13), between the two branches of which is inserted the said end bearing on slightly elastic contacts. A tactile screen is formed with the help of a plurality of such force detectors accommodated in a mobile plate (22) and a fixed frame (21). By coupling the two latter elements by means of suspensions (24.sub.1, 24.sub.2) and elastic fasteners (25.sub.1, 25.sub.2), the pressure forces acting on the mobile plate are, in a vertical position, decoupled from the intrinsic weight of the latter.