Abstract: Concentration measurement equipment is calibrated by performing a concentration measurement on a reference standard sample which includes a radioactive marker element. Because a count of decay products can be correlated with the number of atoms of the radioactive marker element, a precise count of decay products of the radioactive marker element is used to calculate an otherwise unknown number of atoms of the radioactive marker element on the reference standard sample. The calculated number of atoms of radioactive marker element is then used to calibrate a concentration measurement of the radioactive marker element by the concentration measurement device. Suitable radioactive marker elements for use in calibrating concentration measurement equipment include Pm-147 and Tc-99.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus uses a variable and fixed frequency pulsed phase locked loop to measure the phase shift caused by a delay path to a high degree of accuracy. This accurate measurement of total phase change through greater than 360 degrees allows the apparatus to measure strain in bolts or other materials. The apparatus is able to identify features on a waveform through pattern recognition, and measure untracked phase differences with better reliability than simple thresholding techniques permit.

Abstract: In the process for the continuous collection of pulverulent or dusty samples from a particle-laden stream, a sample stream is drawn off from a particle-laden main stream in a pneumatic conveying line 17 and passed via a collection line 9 to a particle size measurement device 10. In order to reduce spin, the main stream in the conveying line 17 is passed through a venturi-like cross-sectional constriction 3, 4, 5, the cross-sectional area of which is 10 to 60% of the free cross-sectional area of the conveying line 17. Samples are then collected downstream from the cross-sectional constriction through one or more probe tubes 7, wherein a partial stream is collected from the main stream parallel to the direction of flow thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vessel apparatus for holding and transferring liquids, in which the level of liquid may be controlled and monitored automatically. A depth sensing device, included in the apparatus, detects the presence or absence of liquid at predetermined levels. The device detects the difference in transmission of a low frequency electromagnetic signal between aerial probes based on the state of immersion (wet or dry) of the transmitting and receiving probes.

Abstract: A hollow shaft torque measurement and telemetry system is provided for race cars. The system provides information on the torque delivered to each drive wheel of a race car while the race car is in motion. That information is valuable in attempting to maximize the speed during a race. The system operates under the high vibrations and temperature levels typical of a race car. A set of strain gauges, a transmitter, and batteries are installed inside one of the hollow shafts connected to a race car's drive wheels. The batteries provide power for the system. The strain gauges are mounted in an electrical bridge configuration so that they provide an electrical indication of torsion only. The strain gauges are connected to the transmitter. The transmitter converts that electrical indication of torsion to an FM radio signal, and has an automatic calibration circuit. The transmitter is connected to a rotating antenna over-wrapped with glass epoxy on the outside of the shaft.

Abstract: A method is provided for tightening up threaded members with proper tightening torque free of unequivalent tightening. In tightening a plurality of threaded members by drive means, the amount of tightening and tightening torque of each threaded member are detected as the members are progressively tightened, and when the tightening amount of each member has reached a value within a specified range, the difference in tightening torque between the threaded members is checked as to whether it is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A self-contained personal alarm device capable of signaling its location to a remote site such as a security station. The personal alarm device includes a housing enclosing a controller, an antenna, a cellular transmitter and a cellular receiver. The controller is coupled to the transmitter and receiver, which are in turn coupled to the antenna. The controller controls the transmitter and the receiver to receive position location signals such as Global Positioning System signals (GPS), establish a cellular connection with a remote site, and transmit device location data to the remote site on the cellular connection, wherein the device location data indicates the location of the device. The cellular connection is established via a cellular telecommunication network that includes an array of cell base stations. The GPS signals are transmitted to the device over the cellular network by providing each cell base station with a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) receiver.

Abstract: A fixture for positioning and supporting parts for measurement on a measuring machine, the fixture including a number of reconfigurable supporting elements, each having a base positionable automatically on a reference surface of the measuring machine by a head of the machine itself, and a column, which is adjustable in height by means of a reference tool, and is subsequently fitted to a respective base.

Abstract: A sensor system for measuring physical properties of paper. The paper property sensor system includes a surface and a diaphragm opposed to each other. The small diaphragm includes a first pair and a second pair p-type piezoresistors. Each piezoresistor of the first pair has a longitudinal axis and is located perpendicular to and very close to one of the long edges of the diaphragm. Each piezoresistor of the second pair has a longitudinal axis and is located between and parallel to first pair of piezoresistors, and away from the short edges of the diaphragm. Coupling the first pair of piezoresistors with the second pair via a Wheatstone bridge produces a voltage representative of the shear force exerted by a sheet.

Abstract: The device for detecting the air-fuel ratio in an internal combustion engine comprising an air-fuel ratio sensor arranged in an exhaust system of the engine and passes an electric current when an electric voltage is applied thereto, an air-fuel ratio sensor circuit that applies the electric voltage to the sensor, detects the current and outputs a signal proportional to the magnitude of the detected current, and a memory for storing a conversion map for calculating the air-fuel ratio in the engine corresponding to the output of the air-fuel ratio sensor circuit by the use of a reference air-fuel ratio sensor and the reference air-fuel ratio sensor circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus to facilitate sensing a parameter of a fluid in a conduit include a tap body including a first end region and a second end region. The tap body is adapted to be secured to the wall of a conduit so that the first end region extends into the conduit and the second end region extends outside of the conduit. The tap body defines a fluid flow passage which includes an inlet located in the first end region, an inlet leg in fluid communication with the inlet, a sample zone at least partially in the second end region and in fluid communication with the inlet leg, an outlet leg in fluid communication with the sample zone and an outlet located in the first end region and in fluid communication with the outlet leg. The tap body is further adapted to be secured to a sensor device including a sensor effective in sensing at least one parameter of fluid in the sample zone. Methods for sensing a parameter of a fluid in a conduit are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for recording causes of faults in products, in which the faults are recorded and counted. The recorded faults are represented according to selected parameters, so that a fault pattern is obtained. From this, a reference to the cause of the fault is produced.

Abstract: A method for correcting the effect of transducer temperature variations in an ultrasonic flowmeter. The method includes the steps of providing ultrasonic transducers having resonant frequencies that are approximately linear functions of temperature, and applying to those transducers bursts of ultrasonic drive pulses having a frequency that is independent of temperature. The method further includes the steps of calibrating said apparatus at a temperature approximately equal to the nominal temperature if said transducers, and using sample measurements taken at an unknown temperature to define a linear representation of how sample measurements vary during the course of bursts. Finally, the method includes the step of using the linear representation to correct fluid flow values calculated from the sample measurements.

Abstract: A transmitter in a process control loop measures temperature. A calibrator includes a known calibration element which is connected to the transmitter. Software in the transmitter compares a measured value of the calibration element with the actual value of the calibration element and responsively calibrates the transmitter. The calibrator includes a temperature calibration sensor for coupling to a terminal block of the transmitter. The temperature calibration sensor provides an actual temperature input to the transmitter. The transmitter measures actual temperature of the terminal block and compares actual temperature with a temperature measured by an internal terminal block temperature sensor, and responsively calibrates the internal temperature sensor.

Abstract: A torque sensing and strain detecting device that detects torque applied to a rotary shaft is described. The torque sensing and strain detecting device including a core made of a magnetostrictive material and at least two fastening sections fixed to the rotary shaft. A coil is wound around the core between the fastening sections. When torque is applied to the shaft, electromotive force is induced in the coil according to the strain produced in the core. Torque is detected based on the induced electromotive force.

Abstract: A vibration type measuring instrument measures at least one of a mass flow rate and a density of a fluid flowing through a straight measurement pipe by vibrating the measurement pipe, obtains a frequency ratio of a resonant frequency of a first vibration mode to a resonant frequency of a second vibration mode of the measurement pipe, and corrects a measured value of at least one of the mass flow rate and the density according to the frequency ratio. The instrument includes a first vibration detector for detecting at least one of a vibration generated in the measurement pipe depending on the mass flow rate and the resonant frequency of the first vibration mode of the measurement pipe; and a second vibration detector for detecting the resonant frequency of the second vibration mode of the measurement pipe. The second vibration detector is provided around an antinode of the second vibration mode of the measurement pipe to improve the detection sensitivity in the second vibration mode.

Abstract: A dynamometer in combination with a torsional damping apparatus for damping torsional vibration between a prime mover and the dynamometer. The torsional damping apparatus includes a body plate rotatably coupled to a finger plate by a bearing, wherein the torsional damping apparatus interconnects the dynamometer and the prime mover. The finger plate includes a plurality of substantially radially outwardly protruding finger members engageable with a plurality of spring members at least partially disposed in corresponding recesses arranged about the rotation axis on the inner side of the body plate. An outer retainer ring removably coupled on the inner side of the body plate over the plurality of spring members for retaining the spring members in the corresponding recesses of the body plate.

Abstract: A downhole, modular, well-monitoring and control system is disclosed for use as a stand alone system capable of being left unconnected to the surface in a cased and completed well borehole. Annular shaped interchangeably connected modules, each having a centrally located fluid flow pathway through them, are connected in end to end relationship to each other. Seating modules, sensor and flow control modules, power supply modules and other modules form the functional basis for a complete stand alone downhole system to monitor and control production in multiple zone completed wells. The system may be interrogated and reprogrammed from the surface without removing modules from the well.

Abstract: A measurement platform assembly for degreeing a camshaft of an internal combustion engine having at least one piston reciprocable within a cylinder formed in a block, an intake valve and an exhaust valve and respective intake lifter and exhaust lifter associated with the cylinder, the tool comprising a plate having plural holes sized and arranged to permit fastening of the plate to the engine block via bolt holes in the block; the plate mounting three gauges, one of which is adapted to engage the piston and two of which are adapted to engage respective substitute exhaust and inlet lifters, the gauges adapted to measure movement of the piston and substitute exhaust and inlet lifters as the camshaft rotates.

Abstract: In a remaining fuel amount measuring apparatus, a CPU captures remaining fuel amount data detected by a fuel sender unit at prescribed periods through a voltage conversion circuit and A/D conversion circuit, compiles the captured remaining fuel amount data into blocks each composed of a prescribed number of data samples to be successively stored in a RAM. The CPU reads the block data as necessary and subjects the read data to data processing such as simple averaging, weighted averaging or removal of abnormal values. The CPU displays the remaining fuel amount after the data processing on a fuel meter.