Abstract: A gauge protector provides a shield device for the protection of the lenses of skin diving gauges and related articles, and includes one or more crossbar elements extending between crossbar base portions, of a size and shape to fit over the gauge lens, and attaches to the outside of the dive gauge body and/or its associated flexible protective boot member. The crossbar base portions preferably include downwardly-extending peripheral flange portions for releasable capture of the sides of the gauge body and/or protective boot member, and may themselves include open portions to enable passage of a gauge hose, strap, or similar member. Alternatively, any other method of attachment to the gauge body or boot member may be used, including friction-fit, toothed grasping, strapping, mechanical connection, or the like.

Abstract: A face level sampling device comprising a headband (10) carrying a suction pump (11) and power pack (13). Connected to pump (11) is a rigid or semi-rigid tubular stalk (12) having a sample head at its free end which is thus positioned in the immediate vicinity of the wearer's nose and mouth in order to take a sample of the environmental contents in the immediate breathing zone.

Abstract: A method for discovering amounts of halogen in a liquid is provided wherein a reservoir comprising the liquid and suspected halogen is heated to a temperature characteristic of the solubility of halogen in the liquid to provide a vapor. After condensing, a sampling vapor is provided from which the amount of halogen may be detected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for taking a constantly proportional flowing sample of gas flowing through a main line having a first flow restriction therein. According to the teachings of the present of invention, such an apparatus includes a sample line connected to the main line so as to draw a flowing sample of gas from the main line at a point upstream from the first flow restriction; a second flow restriction in the sample line, the second flow restriction being very small relative to the main and sample lines and the first flow restriction; and structure that equalizes the pressure downstream of the first and second flow restrictions.

Abstract: A sampler for removing material, such as ore from a mining operation, from a moving belt conveyor includes a frame having a web and rod-like supports on which bristles are fixed, located between a pair of spaced blades arranged behind the blades' leading edges. A gearbox and electrical motor cooperate with the frame in order to periodically pass the frame across the moving belt in order to confine the material between the blades in a sampling zone which extends obliquely across the belt. The arrangement of the blades and the speed of the motor are designed to match the motion of the belt so that those portions of each blade passing across the belt follow substantially the same path as the respective leading edge thereof. Material confined in the sampling zone is displaced from the belt while the blades traverse the belt. The material displaced from the belt is conveniently reduced to a homogeneously state for assaying.

Abstract: A liquid sampling device is disclosed which is particularly suitable for sampling chemical wastes or hazardous chemicals. The device has a low resistance to flow so that composite samples can be obtained from a singal draw. A representative sample can be obtained of a liquid in a container throughout its depth, as opposed to taking several samples at various depths. The possibility of cross-contamination, when taking samples from several containers, is reduced as a result of fewer internal components and simplified replacement of contaminated parts. The overall structure, particularly that of the container for receiving and holding the sample, is simplified to make its production cost low enough for a disposable arrangement.

Abstract: A manually operable, liquid aspirating pipette, and associated dispensing apparatus, are disclosed. The pipette includes a manually operable aspirator arrangement which permits collection and aspiration of a liquid sample. A pull-back mechanism is provided to facilitate convenient introduction of air into the pipette subsequent to aspiration of the liquid sample. Notably, the pipette includes a secondary actuating member which permits operation of the pipette by the associated dispensing apparatus. Thus, after aspiration of a liquid sample, the pipette may be positioned in the dispensing apparatus, with the apparatus operated to provide controlled, metered dispensing of the sample in the desired manner.

Abstract: A processor provides N series of discrete values, with each series of discrete values approximating a sinusoidal signal and N being the number of sensors with which a BVM to be tested is normally used. N digital to analog converters are provided, each receiving one of the N series of discrete values and producing an analog signal therefrom. The analog signals have zero crossings incorporating known turbine blade vibration information. N filters are provided, with each filter being responsive to one of the converters for filtering the analog signals. Circuitry is provided for producing an output pulse simulating a once per revolution pulse. Clock circuitry is provided for producing clock pulses which are input to the N converters and the circuitry for producing the output pulse for synchronizing the operation of the converters with the operation of the circuitry producing the output pulse.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and apparatus for calibrating flowmeters which may be employed in a dialysis liquid circuit. The invention includes the steps of measuring during a data acquisition stage of a specified duration (Ta), each elementary period (T.sub.7 (i), T.sub.8 (i)) separating two pulses staggered by a specified time measurement span (P), counting the number of pulses (n, m) emitted during the acquisition stage (Ta), and calculating the mean calibration period.

Abstract: A roadway simulator restraint system supports a vehicle at each of its wheels on simulated roadways which comprise endless belts suitably driven to cause wheel rotation. A plurality of passive links are provided for restraining the vehicle in longitudinal, lateral, and yaw degrees of freedom, while permitting free motion in roll and pitch moments, and vertical directions. Additionally, the linkages can provide inputs in aerodynamic force directions to simulate responses to vehicle dynamics during actual operation. The individual roadways that support the wheels can be independently controlled as to speed, and can be turned. Suitable force measurements are made in desired axes to provide for a complete controlled simulation of vehicle operation on an actual roadway.

Abstract: The probe is directed toward removal and sampling particulates in possibly corrosive gases in flues. A flue gas removal tube removes flue gas from a suction nozzle and feeds it into a mixed gas feed tube, the inlet of which is of a wider diameter than the outlet portion of the flue gas removal tube. A fresh air tube surrounds the mixed gas feed tube, and fresh air flows down the fresh air tube flows down the fresh air tube and then up the mixed gas feed tube along with removed flue gas. Heating coils in the fresh air tube heat both the fresh air and the mixed gas to a temperature above the prevailing dew point. A closure spaced from the outlet from the fresh air tube and the inlet to the mixed gas feed tube has a funnel shaped development which reduces eddying of fresh air and of outgoing gases. Pitot tubes determine the pressure difference in the flue as well as in the fresh air and mixed gas removal tubes and adjust the respective flows.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for applying dynamic nuclear polarization and magnetic imaging to studying an object. As the saturation of an electron spin system required by dynamic nuclear polarization is proceeding, the intensity of a polarizing magnetic field over the object is different from that of a polarizing magnetic field lying over the object during the detection of an NMR signal. The apparatus is provided with means for changing the intensity of a polarizing magnetic field in a manner such that the difference between magnetic field intensities is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a vessel wall includes a rail and a carriage running on the rail. An inclining and swiveling telescoping arm has an end being pivotably connected to the carriage and a free end. The telescoping arm has curved members with U-shaped cross sections. A drive mechanism for extending and retracting the telescoping arm includes a pusher tube having tensile strength and resistance to compression for driving the members in common and a motor for driving the pusher tube. A test unit is carried by the free end of the telescoping arm and a data line is connected between the test unit and an evaluation unit.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled air sampling pump utilizes a PWM controlled DC electric motor for regulating air flow generated by a diaphragm-type air pump. The control system regulates air flow as a function of RPM of the motor by establishing a table of values which relate motor RPM to air flow rates. The control system maintains RPM at the desired value but includes a control loop which senses deviations in RPM and adjusts the PWM signals to the motor to regulate RPM. The system also senses large changes in RPM and treats such changes as blockages in the air sampling pump lines which prevent accurate environmental sampling. This system enters a cycling mode which turns the pump motor off for different time intervals until the detected blockage has been removed or until a predetermined time has expired. This procedure minimizes battery drain in the event of blockage of the air sampling pump lines.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring the compaction of backfill material in an excavation include hammer structure for impacting backfill material in the excavation, a sensor module for disposition at the bottom of the excavation to be backfilled that includes a transducer for developing an electric signal in response to energy transmitted through backfill material from the hammer structure, and a control module responsive to electric signals from the sensor module for providing an indication of the quality of compaction of backfill material in the excavation.

Abstract: A wrist-worn, real-time-indicating, actual rate of ascent/decent meter includes a non-corrodable, hermetic enclosure with a window. A display, visible through the window, includes numeric rate-related indicia and arrows, both clearly visible against a contrasting backdrop. The contrast may be black on silver. A hysterisis-free transducer in the enclosure produces first signals proportional to the ambient pressure. The first signals are converted to second signals representing depth in the ambient, the latter signals being periodically sampled. Each sample is compared to the previous sample and third rate-of-change-of-depth-with-time signals result from successive comparisons. The third signals are displayed numerically and direction (ascending or descending) is indicated by the arrows. Signal processing is controlled and performed by a microprocessor within the enclosure. Facilities are provided to replace a battery and to turn the meter on and off without affecting the hermeticity of the enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating the wear resistance of a weatherstripping of the kind applied to a motor vehicle window frame wherein a window can moveably engage the frame via the weatherstripping, the weatherstripping including a lubricating material, such as flocking, adhered to a base material, whereby the moveable engagement can cause wear of the adhered lubricating material. The apparatus includes first structure for holding a test strip of weatherstripping, a wand having a tapered nose portion, and second structure, coupled to the wand and first structure, for imposing a plurality of strokes of the wand nose portion upon the test strip. Third structure, coupled to the second structure, is for adjusting the amount of force with which the wand nose portion is sought to be imposed upon the test strip during the plurality of strokes. The wand is a thin, flat and elongate glass part having a tapered nose portion.

Abstract: A method for non-destructive evaluation of a conduit, gallery or similar structure as shown which involves mechanical tests using an apparatus for applying forces to the walls of the structure in one or two opposite directions and measuring the displacement and or deformation resulting from the application of the forces. The applied forces and the displacements are measured, received, processed and stored in memory for further processing analysis and diagnosis to determine the condition of the structure over the length evaluated. A suitable expert computer system is utilized to establish the overall condition of the structure and classify the structure into zones of risk for maintenance and or repair.

Abstract: A sampling device for sampling the output of compressed gas sources, such as air compressors, for solid contaminants, such as debris and oil mist, and for gaseous contaminants, such as carbon monoxide and for obtaining filter samples and plenum samples for laboratory analysis generally comprises a manifold including a first conduit and a second conduit, a filter device, a safety valve, a sampling bomb, a flow director valve, and a pressure control valve. The first conduit has a gas receiving end and a filter device end. The second conduit has an inlet end connected to the first conduit and a vent end. A flow director valve at the junction of the first and second conduits is operable from a full shunt position wherein all incoming gas is directed into the second conduit and a full open position wherein incoming gas is directed to the filter or the second conduit. A pressure control valve disposed in the second conduit near the vent end controls the exit of gas out the vent.

Abstract: An in-place soil sampler assembly includes an outer barrel or tube coupled to a corer point at one end thereof. An inner samping tube is contained within the outer tube. A soil sample retainer has a support ring connected to one end of the inner sampling tube. The support ring carries a plurality of flexible arcuate leaves each having a base portion secured to the ring and each having an apex moveable with respect to the support ring between opened and closed position. A collar is mounted at the end of the outer tube to form a cavity for receiving the soil sample retainer when the leaves are opened for passage of a soil sample from the corer point into the inner sampling tube; the leaves are closed when the support ring is removed from the cavity so as to form a convex soil sample support surface facing in the direction of the inner sampling tube for holding a soil sample therein.