Abstract: The present invention is a pressure sensing and measurement device that eliminates errors due to compliance and lack of sensitivity. The cell uses a pressure receiving means (such as a flexible diaphragm) to detect an impinging object, a means to counteract the pressure caused by the impinging object (such as internal hydraulic pressure), and a detector to measure the amount of internal pressure used to counteract the impinging force. Since the cell is internally pressurized to a point equal to a value equal to the external pressure, the diaphragm is undeflected and may avoid the problems inherent in simple diaphragm systems (such as bridging and insensitivity).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing ice forces on a marine structure erected in a body of water which becomes frozen through natural weather conditions. The structure has a low-ice-adhesional wall forming its perimetrical surface in the zone where natural ice will freeze onto or impinge against the structure. Enclosed chambers are built within the structure and may be in heat-transmitting relationship with the outer wall. Heat is applied to the chambers to heat and maintain the outer wall at a temperature above the melting point of the natural ice occurring in the water around it. In a preferred embodiment, the marine structure is formed with a heated wall which slopes upwardly and inwardly in the area of ice contact to provide a ramp-like surface upon which a sheet of ice will be forced with reduced friction as it moves against the structure. Thus, an edge of the sheet of ice will be prevented from strongly adhering to the structure either initially or subsequently.