Abstract: A metrological instrument for measuring surface characteristics such as surface form of a component (300). The instrument includes a slideway (32) to cause relative movement between a surface sensing probe (84) and the component which allows the probe to traverse a surface of the component. A probe carriage (80) supports the probe to allow the probe to move as a body in a measurement direction relative to the carriage so as to follow a surface being sensed. An optical sensor (82) provides a signal indicative of the displacement of the probe relative to the probe carriage. A controller (83) acts in response to a signal from the optical sensor, to move the probe carriage so as to maintain the probe in an operational range. A further sensor (11) measures measurement of displacement of the probe in the measurement direction as it follows a surface during use of the instrument.

Abstract: Erbium metal catalysts, compositions, metal-ligand complexes and arrays catalyze the polymerization of monomers, particularly olefins, into polymers. These have shown particularly good activity and can be screened in a high throughput manner using arrays of these catalysts, compositions and metal-ligand complexes.

Abstract: Processes for the polymerization of monomers, particularly olefins, into polymers use erbium compositions, metal-ligand complexes and compositions. The processes proceed with good conversion in a number of different methods.

Abstract: This invention discloses a durable catalyst for internal combustion engine or power plant exhaust gas purification which is comprised of a zeolite as the support and Fe (II) base-exchanged cation as the active component for the NO.sub.x selective catalytic reduction (SCR). It has stable activity with up to 20% H.sub.2 O and up to 250 ppm SO.sub.2 and combinations thereof over many hours in the exhaust stream. It is resistant to temperature excursions up to about 1,000.degree. C. The method of producing this catalyst preferably comprises ion-exchanging the zeolite with Fe (II) in an aqueous solution of iron (II) oxalate, iron (II) citrate or iron (II) formate, or a mixture of oxalic acid, citric acid/salts, formic acid/salts, 2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyl caproic acid/salts and iron (II) salts, for example, sulfate, nitrate, chloride, carboxylate, chloride acetate, phosphate and carbonate, in the pH range from 3 to 13 under anaerobic conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control circuit for a whirlpool bath or pool. The control circuit is used to deliver water and/or air to outlet jets in a water-filled pool such as is typically used for hydrotherapy massage. The control circuit includes a pool with a water compartment, a plurality of air jets and water jets in the pool and in communication with the compartment. A water pump connects to the water jets. A rotary valve is interposed between the water pump and the water jets. The rotary valve can be rotationally operated to sequentially provide water to the water jets. Thus, a pattern or a wave can be established from the water jets. An air pump is also provided and connected to the air jets by a manifold and a three-way valve. The manifold is connected to the water jets by a plurality of conduits. Check valves are provided to prevent water from getting into the air system. The three-way valve allows air to be supplied and drawn into the water jets by venturi action.

Abstract: A control circuit for a sauna compartment has an electrical heater therein connected to a control circuit. The control circuit allows a high voltage to flow through a first heating circuit to permit ambient air in the compartment to reach a first high temperature, at which time voltage is provided to the heater only through the second heating circuit and thence to the heater so that the ambient air in the compartment will maintain said first high temperature to prevent a person in the sauna compartment from feeling immediately chilled when the first high temperature is reached and voltage through the first heating circuit ceases to move to the heater.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for the mass spectrometric determination of the isotopic composition of an element comprised in a sample by gas chromatography-isotopic ratio mass spectrometry. As a sample elutes from the column of the gas chromatograph it enters a sample conversion means which converts the element to an analysis gas (a gas comprising the element in elemental form or in the form of a simple compound, e.g. nitrogen or carbon dioxide) which is admitted into the mass spectrometer only during a second time interval corresponding to the elution of the peak containing the sample from the column. One or more calibration samples of a reference gas are admitted into the spectrometer during first time intervals which do not overlap the second time interval, thereby minimizing the contribution of the analysis gas to the reference gas mass analysis, and vice versa. Various devices are provided to minimize disturbance to the flow of gas into the spectrometer during practice of the method.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods and apparatus for the mass spectrometric determination of the isotopic composition of an element comprised in an analysis gas (that is, a gas comprising the element in elemental form or in the form of a simple compound, e.g., nitrogen or carbon dioxide). First and second flows of a carrier gas (e.g., helium) are simultaneously passed into the mass spectrometer, and samples of analysis gas and a reference gas are respectively introduced into the first and second flows during selected time intervals. The time intervals are selected so that mass spectrometric measurements are made on the analysis gas samples in the absence of any signal from the reference gas samples, and v.v. A preferred embodiment comprises a gas chroatograph through which a sample containing the element is passed, and conversion means to convert the eluting sample into the analysis gas.

Abstract: In a submerged pump system for pumping liquid from a well or vessel the vertical pipe through which the liquid is pumped by a submerged impeller pump is typically fitted at its upper end with an air valve. The air valve vents air from the pipe to atmosphere upon pump start up, then closes so that only water passes through a check valve to a pipe system and subsequently allows air to re-enter the pipe when the pump stops. A special throttling valve associated with the air valve restricts the outward rate of flow of air to atmosphere to thereby reduce the rate of the rising liquid and thus the shock of this liquid on the air valve and on the check valve but allows essentially unrestricted re-entry of atmospheric air to thereby allow the vertical pipe to fill with air rapidly. One form of throttling valve includes a valve plug mounted for axial movement into and out of a vent opening and spring-biased into the opening.

Abstract: Both the wet strength and the folding endurance of SCMP and sulfite paperboard are improved by subjecting the board to steps of densification and high temperature treatment during its production.