Abstract: A thick film circuit connection epoxy is provided for protecting connections of dissimilar metals in a thick film substrate from the effects of oxidation. In the fabrication of hybrid integrated circuits, aluminum leads on the integrated circuit die are connected to gold conductors on the thick film substrate by means of an ultrasonic weld. The present invention comprises disposing a silver-filled thermoplastic epoxy around the weld between the aluminum wire and the gold conductor. Physical and electrical integrity of the connection between the aluminum wire and the gold conductor is thus maintained, even if the weld fails due to oxidation at elevated operating temperatures.

Abstract: A thick film circuit connection epoxy is provided for protecting connections of dissimilar metals in a thick film substrate from the effects of oxidation. In the fabrication of hybrid integrated circuits, aluminum leads on the integrated circuit die are connected to gold conductors on the thick film substrate by means of an ultrasonic weld. The present invention comprises disposing a silver-filled thermoplastic epoxy around the weld between the aluminum wire and the gold conductor. Physical and electrical integrity of the connection between the aluminum wire and the gold conductor is thus maintained, even if the weld fails due to oxidation at elevated operating temperatures.

Abstract: An infrasonic pressure wave sensor apparatus is provided to detect infrasonic pressure waves generated by such means as an air-burst detonation. The infrasonic pressure wave sensor comprises a Doppler transceiver utilizing a microwave emitting device, such as a Gunn diode, and a microwave receiving device, such as a receiver diode. The infrasonic pressure wave sensor also comprises a reflective diaphragm, such as a conductive rubber or conductive plastic diaphragm. The microwave emitting device and microwave receiving device cooperate to measure the deflections in the reflective diaphragm as the reflective diaphragm is exposed to infrasonic pressure waves. The infrasonic pressure wave sensor yields a 2 V signal while remains extremely sensitive to pressure waves having a frequency of less than 1 Hz.

Abstract: A velocity sensor is disclosed comprising a housing, a ferromagnetic fluid which substantially fills the housing, and a magnetic proof mass suspended in the ferromagnetic fluid. The magnetic proof mass has a cylindrical center portion and end portions which taper from the central portion to the poles of the proof mass.

Abstract: An electrical system is disclosed which includes a supply voltage and electronic circuitry which requires an operational voltage that is less than the supply voltage. A thermoelectric heat pump is interposed between the supply voltage and the electronic circuitry to produce heating or cooling using the excess power which would otherwise be dissipated in a regulator. A voltage regulator is provided between the output of the thermoelectric heat pump and the electronic circuitry to provide the operational voltage to the electronic circuitry.

Abstract: A low noise, extended dynamic range accelerometer useful for sensitive seismic observations. The accelerometer's extended range is obtained by utilizing a single opposing magnetic field to non-linearly oppose movement of a magnetic proof mass. The accelerometer may also utilize an external bias magnetic field located apart from the magnetic proof mass to provide a constant gravitational offset source.

Abstract: A low noise extended dynamic range accelerometer useful for sensitive seismic observations. The accelerometer's extended range is obtained by utilizing fixed end magnets which non-linearly oppose movement of the magnetic proof mass. Additionally, an aluminum housing material contributes eddy current dampening which produces a critically damped system over a broad range of accelerations.

Abstract: A control force input system for a balance beam pneumatic valve positioner which does not allow the controlled apparatus to make a full travel motion when the overall control signal is removed. The control force is transmitted to the balance beam or other force summing bar using a linear solenoid coupled to a control spring coupled to the balance beam. When the motive power control signal is removed from the linear solenoid, the balance beam establishes an equilibrium position based on the existing position of the linear solenoid. Split wedges are repelled from the linear solenoid when a control signal is applied, releasing the solenoid shaft for movement. Alternatively, split slides are repelled from each other when a control signal is applied, releasing the solenoid shaft bias spring. When the control signal is removed, the split wedges or split slides are biased and attracted to the solenoid, locking the solenoid shaft in position. A variation for use with a current to pressure transducer is detailed.

Abstract: A control force input system for a balance beam pneumatic valve positioner which does not allow the controlled apparatus to make a full travel motion when the overall control signal is removed. The control force is transmitted to the balance beam or other force summing bar using a linear solenoid coupled to a control spring coupled to the balance beam. When the motive power control signal is removed from the linear solenoid, the balance beam establishes an equilibrium position based on the existing position of the linear solenoid. The solenoid shaft extends into a captive cylinder. A piston connected to the solenoid shaft is located in the captive cylinder and forms two chambers in the cylinder. A solenoid valve connects a port in each chamber. When the solenoid valve is activated, the piston is free to travel. When the solenoid valve is deactivated, as when the control signal is removed, the piston is held in position, locking the solenoid shaft in position.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring very small flows into and out of large tanks comprising a reference vessel substantially vertical and proximate the tank to be metered and connected in fluid communication with the tank and having transducers located between the connection point and the surface of the fluid in the reference vessel for converting the mass of fluid flow there through to an electrical signal readable into equivalent volume change in the main tank and a meter for reading the electrical signal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a target flow meter and method of calibrating same adapted for use in various configurations of conduit and for movement from one conduit configuration to another comprising a housing connected to a conduit; a target means adapted for insertion into conduits for providing a constant centroid target area for the fluid relative to the conduit area for any level of fluid in a conduit; a meter body adapted for connection to the housing and for movement from one conduit to another; a mounting means for connecting the target means to the meter body for movement; force transfer means in relation to the target means for constant proportional transfer of force from the target centroid to the force transfer means in response to fluid level and movement in the conduit, and transducer means connected to the meter body for receiving the force transferred from said force transfer means and for measuring the fluid flow as a function of the force on the force transfer means; and further this inventi