Abstract: A temperature controlled gravimetric moisture analyzer (20) is used to control the temperature of a sample material (24) while determining moisture content of the sample material (24). The moisture analyzer (20) includes a thermally conductive sample holder (22) having an emissive surface (44). A high precision force balance (30) is coupled to the sample holder (22) for weighing the sample material (24). A heater (26) encloses the sample material. An air temperature sensor (38) is configured to produce an air temperature signal (54). An infrared temperature sensor is configured to detect infrared emissions from the emissive surface (44) to produce a sample temperature signal (60) representative of the temperature of the sample material (24). A controller receives the air and sample temperature signals (54, 60) and controls the heater (26) in response to the signals.

Abstract: A system for encrypting a plaintext block using a block encryption algorithm having a block size smaller than that of the plaintext block. The plaintext block is transformed into a masked plaintext block using an invertible transformation optionally dependent on additional data and defined such that each bit of the masked plaintext block depends on every bit of the original plaintext block. A subportion of the masked plaintext block is encrypted using the encryption algorithm to generate an encrypted portion of the masked plaintext block. A ciphertext block is generated from the thus encrypted portion of the masked plaintext block and the remaining portion of the masked plaintext block. The ciphertext block is transmitted to a data recipient, who reverses the procedure to recover the original plaintext block.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows a computer system to trust both program and data files without the intervention of the user and without the possibility of circumventing the model of trust. A file system incorporates two levels of validation for programs and data. A first level of validation specifies sources that the user has decided are trustworthy or untrustworthy. A second level of validation specifies sources that the system itself considers trustworthy or untrustworthy. For data to be acceptable, it must be acceptable to both levels of checking. In addition, both the user and the system can specify multiple acceptable signatures and further allows various ones of the multiple signatures to have different levels of access to the system.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and system for distributing and executing executable code. Before sending executable code to a client, a distributing authority associates a privilege request code with the executable code. The privilege request code indicates a requested set of privileges that the executable code will potentially exercise during execution. The distributing authority digitally signs the executable code and associated privilege request code and then distributes it for eventual execution by clients. Before executing the executable code, a client verifies the digital signature to confirm the authenticity and integrity of the executable code and associated privilege request code. This verification utilizes a hierarchy of certifying authorities. While the code executes, the client monitors it and prevents it from exercising privileges that are not in the requested set of privileges.

Abstract: There is disclosed a number of rare-earth chelitte compounds which are useful for fluorescent thermal imaging applications over a wide temperature range. Several of these materials are ideal for particular imaging applications. Between EuTFC and EuHFC films, the entire temperature range of 30-300.degree. K. can be covered. The temperature sensitivity and other film properties may be tailored by varying the polymer in which the film is dissolved or changing from a dissolved film to a vacuum sublimated film.

Abstract: In the field of mass flow measuring apparatuses, it is known to provide a sensor member for the establishment thereon of streamline flow of bulk material, in which the sensor member design is optimised in order to minimise the effects of changes in the coefficient of friction between the bulk material and the sensor member.The invention relates to improvements in the construction of the measuring apparatus, whereby two mechanical quantities (such as a pair of forces; or a pair of moments) may be measured to provide additional data on the flow process. In particular, it is possible to determine an exit velocity value v.sub.e that is indicative of the momentum of bulk material in the sensor member.

Abstract: A variable orifice flow sensor includes a flow conduit member defining a flow orifice and fluidly connecting first and second fluid flow ports, a flapper of magnetizable sheet metal that is mounted in the conduit member by a hinge portion so that the flapper angularly deflects out of the plane of the orifice in response to fluid flow through the conduit member to vary the effective fluid flow cross-sectional area of the orifice in proportion to the flow rate of fluid through the conduit member, and a pressure sensing tap on either side of the flapper. A deflection-limiting surface is provided in the conduit member adjacent the hinge portion. The hinge portion abuts against the deflection-limiting surface when the flapper experiences an angular deflection at least equal to a predefined angle in response to a fluid flow rate that is at least equal to a predetermined value, whereby overstressing of the hinge portion is minimized.

Abstract: An integrated circuit-type DIP package for micromachined (silicon) sensors such as pressure sensors has the fluid ports necessary for operation of the pressure sensor located laterally (rather than extending vertically) from the upper and lower portions of the assembled package. This lateral arrangement includes a first nozzle extending laterally from the upper surface of the package cover (lid) and a side port communicating with a second nozzle located in the lateral surface of the package body. This provides a low profile package by eliminating the otherwise vertical nozzles and also allows mounting of such a package on a printed circuit board without the need to drill a hole to accommodate the nozzle extending from the bottom of the package. The side ports also enhance the ability to mount the package and temporarily plug the side ports during cleaning of the printed circuit board, since the side ports are easily accessible rather than being hidden underneath the package when mounted.

Abstract: A particle sensor includes, a sensor element including (a) a vibrating section having a mass that is sensitive to the collision of solid particles contained in a fluid with the vibrating section and (b) a detecting section for detecting the vibration of the vibrating section caused by the collision and converting the vibration to electric signals, a housing for fixing said sensor element, an inlet nozzle forming a fluid inlet, and an outlet nozzle forming a fluid outlet. In the particle sensor, the outlet nozzle is provided so that the sensor element is between the inlet nozzle and the outlet nozzle, throughholes are formed in the sensor element in at least part of the vicinity of the vibrating section, and the fluid entering the particle sensor from the inlet nozzle collides with the sensor element, passes through the throughholes and leaves the particle sensor from the outlet nozzle.

Abstract: A pressure sensor has a housing for receiving a fluid whose pressure is being sensed, and an electrode assembly and a diaphragm arranged to form a variable capacitor within the housing. In one embodiment, the electrode assembly includes a dielectric disk with a conductive electrode and a standoff being formed on a surface of the disk facing the diaphragm. A spacer ring is provided between the standoff and the diaphragm so that the thickness of the spacer ring sets the gap between the electrode of the electrode assembly and the diaphragm. In another embodiment, the electrode assembly is an integral unit that includes a housing and an electrode such that lower surfaces of the housing and the electrode are coplanar to each other. In this embodiment, the spacer is between the housing and the diaphragm such that the thickness of the ring sets the length of the gap.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to improved methods of designing surfaces whereby to minimize the effects of changes in the coefficients of friction between so-called bulk fluids and the surfaces. The disclosure also relates to surfaces designed in accordance with the methods.A device embodying the invention, for metering the mass flow of bulk material, such as grain or other crop material, comprises a sensor member with a curved surface installed adjacent the outlet of a conveyor. The sensor member is mounted for pivoting about a transverse axis and is subject to a moment resulting from the material flow along its surface. A spring means is provided to keep the sensor member in zero load position. The displacement of the sensor member is proportional to the mass flow rate. Changing friction coefficients .mu.

Abstract: A semiconductor differential pressure measuring device comprising two measurement diaphragms and two detection sensors provided in a semiconductor substrate using micromachining techniques, and a computing circuit which computes the differences between the two sensor outputs, wherein a communicating hole is provided for applying pressure to each diaphragm so that the diaphragms operate in opposite phases by differential pressure, and two detecting sensors are provided on each diaphragm for detecting displacement or strain of each diaphragm caused by the differential pressure applied to the respective diaphragm, whereby detecting the differences in displacement or strain cancels the static pressure error and temperature error so that the invention has excellent temperature and static pressure characteristics, and whereby the computing circuit comprises a bridge using the two detecting sensors, which substantially reduces the cost of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor member of a mass flow measuring apparatus on a combine harvester, in which the surface of the sensor member includes both curved and straight portions. The lengths (.theta..sub.m,L) of the curved and straight portions are optimised to minimise the effects of changes in coefficient of friction (.mu.) on measured mass flow rate values of bulk materials on the sensor member.

Abstract: The sampling device of the present invention for taking sterile samples of a fluid such as biological samples from a fermenter or bio-reactor provides a simplified system for collecting sterile samples and preventing contamination of the samples. The sampling apparatus includes a holder in fluid communication with the fermenter or bio-reactor for removably connecting sample collecting containers. An adaptor is removably connected to the holder for steam sterilization of the holder between collection of successive samples. According to the present invention, presterilized bottles or containers are filled with sterile samples without the need to presterilize an entire bottle, cap, and valve sample collection assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating voice privacy in electronic voice transmission systems includes the steps of digitizing an analog signal and inverting and rotating the frequency spectrum of the digitized audio signal. From the inverted and rotated spectrum, a complex signal is created from which the real component is extracted to produce a real signal suitable for transmitting. The processing method may optionally include the steps of translating the frequency of the signal spectrum, reducing the sampling rate, shifting the spectrum of the signal again, increasing the sample rate, and extracting the real part of the signal to produce a real signal. The digital signal processing is performed entirely with software. The scrambling and descrambling processes are identical, therefore, the same hardware and software may be used to scramble and descramble the signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure-sensitive resistor in which the resistance between two electrode patterns varies in response to applied pressure, wherein the desired pressure-sensitive characteristics of the resistor can be readily achieved by appropriately adjusting the degree of the planar-positional difference between the two electrode patterns.

Abstract: In an elastic member for attaching a sensor having a protruding portion to a sensor attachment member, the elastic member has a body member having a hollow shape, a first end protrusion formed on an inner surface of the body member close to a first end thereof, and a second end flange protruding outwardly from an outer surface of the body member close to a second end thereof. The sensor protruding portion is inserted into the elastic member from the second end of the elastic member to be a provisionally fixed state, and is inserted into the through hole of the sensor attachment member while keeping the provisionally fixed state. Thereafter, only the sensor protruding portion is additionally inserted into the through hole of the sensor attachment member. These processes can be easily performed by using the above-mentioned elastic member and the thus obtained sensor assembled body has high airtightness and high stability.

Abstract: The workable range is extended into lower pressure region for micromechanical pressure sensors of the kind having a vibrating mass in proximity of a stationary surface by increasing the amount of squeeze damping. The amount of squeeze damping is increased by using the symmetry of a circular disk-shaped vibrating mass and restricting or changing the flow path of the gas in and out of a squeeze damping space. A circular vibrating mass is supported through an annular spring by a support ring attached to the substrate surface by a plurality of mesas which serve to block the gas flow into and out of the squeeze damping space between the mass and the substrate surface. The amount of squeeze damping may be increased by providing the support ring which completely encloses the squeeze damping space with the vibrating mass having a hole through which the gas may enter and leave the space.

Abstract: A cellular telephonic communication system is provided with privacy in the transmission of a dialed number from a mobile station to a base station. This is accomplished by transmitting from the base station a modified origination message followed by an origination continuation message. In the origination message, the dialed number is omitted. The origination message is transmitted by the access channel, and includes a control bit indicating that the origination message is incomplete and is to be followed by an origination continuation message. The base station responds by assigning forward and reverse traffic channels to the mobile station. The mobile station then employs the reverse traffic channel to transmit the dialed number to the base station. In the traffic channels, the private long code mask is employed for spreading the spectrum of the reverse traffic channel data which includes the dialed number.

Abstract: A flow sensor of the disc type for a compressed air lubricator comprises a flexible elastomeric disc having a pair of radial channels formed in each of its major surfaces. The channels afford lines of weakness which enable the disc readily and progressively to deform into a fluted cone-like configuration as the air flow rate through the lubricator increases, thereby increasing the potential air flow capacity of the lubricator compared to those including known designs of disc type flow sensor.