Abstract: An illumination device for an electronic timepiece equipped with an electro-optical display device and a battery as a power source, which comprises: an electro-luminescent sheet disposed at the lower surface of said electro-optical display device; a booster circuit for converting the battery voltage to an AC voltage; and an illumination switch for operating said booster circuit in response to the manipulation of an external control member; whereby said electro-optical display means is illuminated when said electro-luminescent sheet is rendered light emissive in response to manipulation of said illumination switch.

Abstract: For reminding a viewer that a predetermined action should be effected at a particular time, means such as a pill bucket, medication spoon, or the like, is adapted to be removeably supported at a fixed time indicator with respect to which time indexing means are regularly moveable relative to the indicator.

Abstract: A fuel control system has a boost pump for pumping liquid fuel to a positive displacement pump, which in turn meters the fuel to a fuel nozzle of a combustion engine. The positive displacement pump is variably driven independently of the boost pump, and includes a pressure regulator for minimizing pressure difference across the pump.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated brake booster comprises a hydraulic cylinder disposed within a hydraulic braking circuit connecting a master cylinder to wheel brake cylinders to increase the braking pressure trapped within the wheel brake cylinders and a servomotor for pneumatically activating the hydraulic cylinder in response to hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder. The servomotor has a spring loaded diaphgragm piston forming a negative pressure chamber and a variable pressure chamber, the former being in connection to a source of negative pressure and the latter being connected to the atmospheric pressure in response to master cylinder pressure applied to the hydraulic cylinder. The brake booster includes a control valve which is provided to selectively connect the variable pressure chamber of the servomotor to such a positive pressure source as exhaust pressure to obtain additional pressure in an emergent braking operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for extracting energy from gaseous or liquid fluid flows, comprising two or more foils having openings on the foils' outer surface to tap the low and high pressures created by the fluids passing around them; within each foil there is a partition to keep the pressures separated and each chamber is vented to a manifold; the manifolds channel the pressures to a device which produces mechanical or electrical energy utilizing the pressure differential which has been created.

Abstract: A fluid system (10, 10A, 10B) which supplies two work systems (26, 38) with respective different fluid flow rates, including a pressure-flow compensated pump (12), a first control valve (18) for delivering the fluid to one of the work systems, a second control valve (28) for receiving the fluid from the first control valve and delivering the fluid to the other of the work systems (38), a first device ([20,42,50] or [20,56,58] or [20,90,96]) coupled between the pump output and the first control valve, for providing one control signal causing the pump to produce one flow rate of fluid for activating the one work system (26), and a second device ([20,40,44,46,50] or [22,58,66,72,78] or [22,88,92,96,102]) for overriding the first device for providing another control signal causing the pump to produce another flow rate of fluid for actuating the other work system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining useful work from or with waves includes a buoyant body having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and a convex upper surface extending between the leading and trailing edges. The upper surface is configured with a gradually sloping shape from the leading edge toward the trailing edge and terminates at the trailing edge in a sharply oppositely sloping surface, whereby the circular or orbital motion of water particles in waves is converted by the upper surface to linear flow of the water particles, and waves traveling across the surface from the leading to the trailing edge are not damped or extinguished by backwash of waves from the trailing edge toward the leading edge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining useful work from or with waves includes a buoyant body having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and a convex upper surface extending between the leading and trailing edges. The upper surface is configured with a gradually sloping shape from the leading edge toward the trailing edge and terminates at the trailing edge in a sharply oppositely sloping surface, whereby the circular or orbital motion of water particles in waves is converted by the upper surface to linear flow of the water particles, and waves traveling across the surface from the leading to the trailing edge are not damped or extinguished by backwash of waves from the trailing edge toward the leading edge.

Abstract: A device for extracting energy from sea waves by the motion of a submerged cylinder held normal to the direction of motion of the waves by tie members at each end of the cylinder. The tie members at their other respective ends are moored to the sea bed. Changes in the load on the tie members are arranged to turn in one direction a drum drivably connected to a vane pump. A spring, or a counterweight acting on a cam-shaped pulley, is arranged to apply a biasing load to the drum in the other direction so as to produce an oscillatory movement of the drum from changes in load on the tie members and drive the pump. A hydraulic motor connected to an electric generator is driven by the pump.The drum may be situated at the moorings on the sea bed, or at the cylinder.

Abstract: A tide motor energy source includes a tidal piston with a valved chamber. The piston drives a hydraulic ram to generate electrical power through a pressure accumulator and hydraulic motor. The ram can be locked hydraulically to enable the tidal piston to be held fixed at a desired elevation and the valves in the chamber permit it to be filled with water or air. The piston with its chamber filled with air at its low tide position and then released for controlled ascent while submerged acts as a submerged float for driving the ram upwardly while the tide runs in during one phase of its operation. The piston with its chamber filled with water while locked at its highest position as the tide begins to run out, and then released to fall under control, acts as a weight suspended in air after the water level drops below the piston for driving the ram downwardly during the second phase of its operation. The rising and falling motion of the tidal piston is used as the energy source.

Abstract: In an injection molding machine of the type comprising an injection cylinder, a feedback circuit for feeding back the oil in the rear chamber of the injection cylinder into the front chamber thereof and a booster cylinder, a pressure oil accumulator is connected to the booster cylinder through a valve for supplying pressurized oil for actuating the booster cylinder. A check valve is connected in parallel with the valve. When water hammer occurs at the end of the injection stroke the check valve opens to absorb the energy of water hammer by the accumulator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic brake system for vehicles having a separated-type hydraulic fluid pressure amplifier, such as a hydraulic air servo or a hydraulic vacuum servo. This hydraulic brake system includes a brake master cylinder and said fluid pressure amplifier comprises a hydraulic piston and a control piston, which are moved by the pressure of working fluid from said master cylinder, and a power piston which is moved by the air pressure introduced by the action of the control piston. This hydraulic brake system further includes means for resiliently expanding a fluid passage provided in a part of the hydraulic passage between the brake master cylinder and the portion of the hydraulic fluid pressure amplifier in which the working fluid from the master cylinder is applied to said hydraulic piston and said control piston.

Abstract: A master cylinder assembly has a low pressure, high volume displacement quick take-up chamber and a high pressure, low volume displacement pressurizing chamber formed by a stepped bore and a stepped piston. A compensation control and blow-off valve unit has a peripheral lip seal type valve providing compensation flow on brake release but preventing flow from the quick take-up chamber during brake apply. A normally closed check valve can open to provide communication between the quick take-up pressurizing chamber and the fluid reservoir. When the pressurizing cup for the high pressure chamber closes its compensation port, the check valve is subjected to the pressure in the quick take-up pressurizing chamber. Initial fluid flow is obtained from the quick take-up chamber past the pressurizing cup into the high pressure chamber.

Abstract: In a combined cycle power plant comprising a steam turbine and gas turbine connected through a heat recovery steam generator, the start-up mode for a steam turbine is based upon the shell metal temperature of the steam turbine. In some combined cycle plants, the output of the gas turbine is reduced so as to more closely match the output steam temperature of the heat recovery steam generator to the steam turbine metal temperature. This arrangement can be disadvantageous for several reasons and so it is proposed that a spray attemperator or desuperheater be incorporated between the heat recovery steam generator outlet and the steam turbine inlet. Moreover, control means are indicated for controlling the fluid input into the attemperator.

Abstract: A compressor for a heat pump using a condensible gas as a working fluid has a lubricant temperature controller comprising a heater for the lubricant in the sump, the heater being controlled by differential pressure responsive means comprising the vapor pressure above the lubricant in the sump with a pressure obtained from a sensor bulb in the sump oil, the bulb containing a solution, in a lubricant of a refrigerant, the refrigerant preferably being the same as the working fluid of the heat pump.

Abstract: A housing for the low side evaporator coil of a refrigeration unit which housing is separately mounted on an exterior wall of a refrigerator compartment and which employs an energy saving air defrost system that, during a defrost cycle, draws ambient air into the housing from one end and discharges it from the other end after it flows past the frosted coil. The housing comprises a preformed unitary body section having opposite ends, a generally centrally located center chamber, a pair of generally cylindrically shaped valve chambers and associated dampers having conforming cylindrical wall sections generally located in the center of each end, and a pair of air passages extending at one end into each valve chamber and at the other end to the exterior. Easy access for servicing or the like is obtained, through a hinged door, to the refrigeration components which are slidably mounted within the center chamber of the body section.

Abstract: The expander-compressor transducer of this invention is for expanding refrigerant fluid from a high pressure source into a low pressure heat absorbing heat exchanger while simultaneously precompressing the same fluid stream derived from the low pressure heat absorbing heat exchanger for delivery through suitable conduit heat exchangers to the suction side of the high pressure source.

Abstract: An air conditioning system in which a subcooling valve is located in the liquid line fitting upstream from the evaporator creating a pressure drop ahead of the capillary tube to effect liquid subcooling of refrigerant leaving the condenser, thereby resulting in higher cooling capacity and efficiency.

Abstract: A heat exchanger in a suction accumulator for the compressor of a refrigeration system wherein the suction accumulator comprises a storage vessel having a liquid and gaseous refrigerant inlet, and means within the vessel defining a fluid passageway for separating the gaseous and liquid components and conducting the gaseous component and a controlled amount of liquid out of the storage vessel to the inlet of the compressor. This fluid passageway may comprise a generally U-shaped conduit or, alternatively, a U-shaped flume formed by a vertical weir member. The heat exchanger comprises a jacket disposed over at least a portion of the surface of the gaseous refrigerant conduit or weir member and is spaced therefrom so as to form a second fluid passageway, which is sealed from the gaseous refrigerant passageway and the interior of the vessel. An inlet and outlet lead from the second fluid passageway out of the storage vessel.

Abstract: A hand blown glass vial is employed to hold and display nuggets, flakes and other particles of placer gold in its natural state. The vial includes an interior cavity having an irregular shape to emphasize the appearance of the natural gold. The top of the cavity can be sealed with a cap or crown means formed from natural metals, such as gold, alloyed with other metals such as silver and copper. The cap or crown includes a loop-means according to the preferred embodiment which is adapted to receive a gold chain or similar object for suspension and display. According to the preferred embodiment the vial takes the shape of a thermometer and includes at the bottom of the interior cavity, a rounded portion which slightly magnifys the gold contained therein.

Abstract: A flexible coupling comprises first and second torque transmitting members capable of being rotated about first and second axes, respectively. The coupling also includes connecting members associated in pairs. The connecting members are connected together and to the torque transmitting members through suitable bearings, preferably of the elastomeric type, for carrying pure compressive stress loading for torque transmission and for providing shear motion and restoring forces when said axes become misaligned.

Abstract: A control circuit for controlling current supply to machines, such as a washing machine, the control circuit controlling the state of a first switch adapted to switch current to control means associated with the machine, functional means being monitored, such monitoring being operative to, should a fault occur, cause the first switch to open, and a back-up circuit, responsive to said monitors, including switching means operative to disconnect the current from the functional means if a fault occurs irrespective of the state of the first switch.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying liquid to a yarn in which the direction of travel of the wetted yarn is changed to an extent effective to cause excess liquid to be ejected into a space adjacent the yarn by failing to wholly make said change in direction of travel with the yarn. A preferred apparatus includes a pair of slotted plates. A slot in one plate effects the required change in direction of travel while the other plate provides a collecting surface for the ejected liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sammier press, especially for leather and fur, with a pressure roll and counter-pressure rolls bearing thereon, whereof at least one is driven, and with two conveyor belts moved by frictional engagement which receive the material that is to be pressed between them, drawing it through the pressing zone formed between the pressure roll and the counterpressure rolls.

Abstract: An anti-tampering device for protectively housing a valve stem operator, wherein the valve stem operator is connected to a pipe. The device includes a skirted keeper body having a main aperture and a pair of spaced hooked legs for hooked up engagement with the pipe on either side of the valve stem and in depending relation to the body. The skirted keeper body further includes an upstanding member having a first padlock aperture and means for connecting the legs to the body. The device includes a cap having a first padlock end with a second padlock aperture such that when the cap is in overlaying relation to the main aperture, the padlock apertures of the cap and body are in alignment.

Abstract: A key operated cam lock including a shell and a rotary key plug and having axially elongated pin tumbler assemblies each comprising a plurality of tumbler elements including a pin tumbler carried by the key plug and a driver carried by the shell. A projection on an end of one of the tumbler elements of each tumbler assembly is received in a slot in the end of another associated element and serves to couple a driver to an associated pin tumbler when the key plug is in locked position. V-shaped bits on the key engagable with complementary V-shaped chisel tips on the pin tumblers axially and angularly position the pin tumbler assemblies in unlocked position wherein slots in various tumbler elements are aligned with annular grooves in the key plug eccentric to the axis of plug rotation. The projections escape from the slots and enter the grooves when the key plug is rotated from locked position toward an unlocked position. The tumbler elements having projections thereon may be axially symmetrical.

Abstract: The ram of the press is accelerated to an acceleration-terminating point whereat it attains a speed providing for the required energy of impact upon the work. During the acceleration, the velocity of the ram is measured, as well as the deviation of the actual point of attaining the required speed relative to the preset acceleration-terminating point. Depending on the value of this deviation, either the extent of the acceleration path is varied, with the acceleration value maintained constant, or else the acceleration rate is varied, with the acceleration path length remaining permanent. To effect control by varying the acceleration path length, the control system is provided with specific electric circuitry controlling a transmitter generating a signal sent to a solenoid-operated valve, to vary the latter's position so as to vary accordingly the approach portion of the ram's stroke, and thus to vary the acceleration path.

Abstract: A wire coiling apparatus employing a pair of coiling rolls with rigid, usually steel, backup and drive ring members in direct driven engagement with the mandrel spindle, coupled to work rings which have controlled resilient transverse floating action under coil forming pressures, to rotate off center relative to the drive rings which drive them. In one embodiment, each work ring has a steel forming surface which is part of a metal outer ring member mounted on a resilient inner ring member. In another embodiment, each work ring is a resilient member which has a resilient forming surface.

Abstract: A process and device allows long as-cast billets to be extruded, with the help of a container which is divided into at least two segments which can be opened and closed radially with respect to the main axis. In the closed position, the segments grip the part of the billet inside the container and, as a result of a relative movement between a die mounted on a hollow stem, the said die is forced into a length of the billet inside the container as a result of which at least one section is extruded. On opening the segments, the billet is advanced to fill the container again whereupon the segments close, clamping onto the billet, and the extrusion sequence is repeated.

Abstract: A process and device for carrying out the process allows for the extrustion of composite sections comprising a beam-like section made of a light metal and at least one insert made of another metal which provides a facing on at least one surface of the beam-like section. The beam-like section, which may be a conductor rail, is produced by extruding through a shape-giving die whereby at least two composite sections are produced simultaneously and the facing strips are positioned pairwise between opposite lying parts of the beam-like sections. The present invention allows the facing strips to be introduced into the extrusion device without the extreme bending previously experienced. Brittle materials which could not withstand the extreme bending experienced heretofore can now be used for facing material.

Abstract: A press for producing machine elements, such as balls, rivets and the like, especially machine elements of relatively small dimensions, e.g. balls having a diameter of 1 mm, from wire sections, which includes a wire intake device, a device for shearing off the wire, a device for conveying the wire sections to and in front of a stationary matrix, and a punch associated with the matrix and adapted to be reciprocated back and forth in axial direction with regard to the matrix. If desired, there may also be provided ejectors for the punch or the matrix. The punch is, axially with regard to the matrix, movably guided in a tool carrier which in pressing direction is stationarily arranged in the machine frame. Furthermore, the punch is drivingly connected to a rotatable cam disc through the intervention of a pick-up roller.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method disclosed for forming an axle spindle from a hollow axle blank incorporate a hollow punch having a metallic body with an inner work surface defining a work opening and a mandrel fixed within the work opening projecting toward an open end thereof from a closed end of the opening. During forming, the punch is moved relative to the axle blank in the direction the mandrel projects so that the mandrel is received within the hollow axle blank as the work surface of the punch body forms the blank about the mandrel to provide a spindle. Preferably, several punches of this type are utilized to complete the spindle forming process on the axle blank. Each punch preferably has an elongated annular shape with a round inner work surface and a round outer surface on the mandrel so that the formed spindle is of a round shape. One of the punches which causes outward material movement has an undercut on its mandrel to facilitate punch withdrawal.

Abstract: A rivet tong device for the setting of blind rivets that are provided with tear pins is disclosed. The device includes a pair of legs adapted for pivotal movement about a common axis, retaining means for receiving a rivet and rivet clamping means comprising first and second clamping elements. The second clamping element is formed of a portion of a circular disk such that upon actuation the first and second clamping elements approach one another so as to grip the tear pin and to be moved away from the retaining means so as to tear off the tear pin. The clamping elements are also mounted for pivotal movement about the pivot axis of the legs.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing gas concentration by measuring the steady state pressure in a dual membrane cell. A first membrane is exposed to a test gas and a second membrane to a reference gas where the first and second membranes have differing permeabilities. The test gas and the reference gas continuously counterdiffuse through the membranes and the steady state pressure in the intermembrane space is directly proportional to the gas concentration of the test gas component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a carbonated beverage shaking machine which is designed to develop an equilibrium pressure in a beverage container. A support structure is provided which includes two parallel rods connected at one end to a base and an adjustable crossbar pivotally mounted adjacent the free ends of the rods. By adjusting the crossbar relative to the parallel rods the machine may accommodate a variety of various sizes of conventional beverage containers. The machine is designed to initially support a beverage container on the base portion in a vertical, upright position. Subsequently, the adjustable crossbar is lowered into position and locks the beverage container to the support frame. Simultaneously with the lowering of the crossbar, the beverage container is pierced with a needle which is connected to parameter measuring devices, such as a pressure gauge and a thermometer.

Abstract: A method of measuring long shaft torque by pre-recording two magnetic tapes, through air gaps, with similar continuous sine wave signals; and by fixing the pre-recorded tapes spaced longitudinally apart as loops around the long shaft at no torque load, and with the continuous sine wave signals of the respective tape loops in approximate phase; and by each tape loop being opposed by a pair of air-spaced, diametrically positioned playback heads, one pair being rotationally adjustable to precisely synchronize the phases of the sine wave signals of both tapes, and both pairs of playback heads cooperating to pick up sine wave signals from both tape loops; and by transmitting the sine wave signals for each side, respectively, to an associated electronic circuit, each circuit for producing an analog voltage proportional to half of the transmitted torque of the long shaft as it rotates under a torque load and plus and minus voltage errors due to rotating long shaft skew; and by finally summing and integrating the hal

Abstract: Precision strain-gage transducers of low-cost construction, which lend themselves well to expression in the form of protectively-enclosed miniature load beams, are developed from sensing elements fine-blanked from wholly flat thin metallic sheet stock, the shaping and dimensioning of critical strain-responsive portions being controlled by the fine-blanking of both inner and outer edges of the element. Versatile mounting and loading provisions are conveniently associated with the element by way of simple openings formed laterally of the strain-responsive portions, and protective enclosure of sensitive strain gages and the strain-responsive portions is achieved by the transverse build-up of the element with stamped sheet-stock flanges affixed and sealed to it at spaced positions and to ends of a surrounding tubular bellows.

Abstract: A remote sensor for the measurement of the amount of gas present in the drilling fluid or "mud" in an offshore well-drilling operation, for the purpose of giving prompt warning of geologic conditions conducive to the occurrence of a blow-out. An acoustic projector projects an acoustic wave of fixed wavelength through the mud returning upwardly from the borehole. The wave is received by a first array of acoustic receivers locked in a known phase relationship with the projector. Changes in the speed of sound due to changing relative amounts of mud and gas produce a shift in frequency of the acoustic wave which is proportional to the speed of sound in the mud/gas mixture. The change in frequency is electronically detected and scaled to yield the value of the speed of sound, from which the mud to gas mass ratio is calculated by means of a computer.

Abstract: The accelerating rate calorimeter disclosed herein is an instrument designed for accurately determining the adiabatic thermal runaway characteristics of reactive chemicals. The mode of operation involves measuring the adiabatic self-heat rate of exothermic chemical reactions to determine the acceleration of the reaction rate as a function of temperature. The basic instrument includes a sample vessel which is positioned inside a reaction chamber. The environment surrounding the sample vessel is a gas, such as air, or an inert gas, or it can be a vacuum environment. Separate heater means are provided for heating the reaction chamber and the sample vessel.During the exothermic reaction of the chemical in the sample vessel, the temperature of the reaction chamber and the sample vessel are continuously monitored by separate temperature sensing means.

Abstract: An ultrasonic Doppler flowmeter in which the transmitting and receiving transducers are located in a head that is secured to the outer surface of a pipe through which the fluid to be measured flows. The head includes a thermistor responding to the temperature of the head to temperature-compensate the flow indication of the flowmeter. The Doppler-shifted received frequency is added to the transmitted frequency and the envelope of the resulting signal detected and amplified. The Doppler signal is shaped and used to switch on a current source for a fixed time interval at a rate dependent upon the Doppler frequency. The thermistor located in the transducer head varies, in accordance with temperature, the magnitude of the switched current. The switched current is integrated and used to supply the signal to the output meter.

Abstract: A single, elongated admittance sensing probe element comprises an elongated probe structure including a conductive level measuring probe electrode and a conductive composition probe electrode longitudinally spaced from the level measuring probe electrode closer to one end of the probe. A conductive shield extends between the level measuring and composition probe elements and beyond the composition probe element at the end of the probe. The entire structure is enclosed within an insulating material. In one embodiment, a cylindrical ground electrode or shield is mounted around the probe structure.

Abstract: A weather instrument for directly indicating dew point temperature of a given atmosphere. A sensing element responsive to relative humidity is connected to a first cam which interacts with a second cam for producing a continuous angular output corresponding to a predetermined function of the relative humidity (RH) of the ambient atmosphere. To the second cam is connected a sensing element responsive to ambient temperature (T) for producing a continuous angular output so as to directly indicate the dew point temperature (T.sub.D) of the ambient atmosphere according to the relationship T.sub.D =T+(a) log RH, "a" being a constant.

Abstract: A magnetic material which includes an impurity metal of relatively large atomic diameter such as zinc, titanium, zirconium, yttrium, or cadmium introduced uniformly therein in amount sufficient to distort its crystalline structure to alter its anisotrophy so that the permeability of the substance remains substantially constant with changes in temperature up to the permeability transition temperature and; there being also introduced uniformly therein further metallic atoms which achieve a desired transition temperature within an accuracy of at least 0.1.degree. C. such material being utilized in an apparatus adapted to be interrogated to disclose whether its temperature is above or below the transition temperature within at least 0.1.degree. C., the signal propagating properties of the material altering drastically at such temperature, the material having an output which is inherently digital and directly compatible with digital information processing and control without A/D conversion.

Abstract: A gas sampler for sampling a mixture of gasses such as air having toxic gasses or other contaminants, utilizing a vessel with liquid therein as the scrubbing media. The closed vessel comprises intake and exhaust openings for the passage of the sampled gas through the liquid. A hydrophobic porous material sealing the inlet and outlet openings retains the liquid in the vessel without hinderance to the passage of the sampled gas through the liquid. In a preferred embodiment, the vessel comprises a rugged constructed elongated glass tube with open ends. Intermediate the inside of the cap and the open ends of the vessel is positioned the porous hydrophobic material. An operable hydrophobic membrane and alternate capping structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a molten metal sampler having disc-shaped metal mold halves which join together to form a neck for a fill tube, and in which a cardboard shield is arranged around the neck. The sampler holder has a notch to wedge at right angles with the fill tube axis and between the mold halves and the shield.

Abstract: A process for determining the interactions between a solution and a body immersed in the solution, comprising the steps of measuring the sound emission from the body, such as sound waves in the ultrasonic range, while the solution and body are interacting and using this measurement to determine the interaction. The process can be used, inter alia, during the chemical removal of material from a body by a solution, such as chemical etching, to determine the degree of exhaustion of the solution. Moreover, the sound emission can be used in the control of further interaction between the solution and body.

Abstract: A method of determining foreign material such as metal and bone particles in food products, the method using ultrasonic sound frequencies from a plurality of transducers disposed in a rotatable cylinder having a liquid copulant. The cylinder having a surrounding flexible wall which is compressed on top of the surface of the food products. The sound frequencies are transmitted through the food products and received back by a receiver in the transducers for monitoring any variance in the frequency indicating foreign material in the food products.

Abstract: An electronically scanned phased array diagnostic system for describing internal structure of a subject by the use of ultrasonic energy. The system includes a transducer unit with an array of ultrasonic energy conversion segments and control circuitry for actuating the segments to direct ultrasonic energy into the subject. Imaging circuitry is included for interpreting electrical return signals produced by the segments in response to ultrasonic echoes. The imaging circuitry includes transmission delay circuits for imposing time delays on the return signals for steering and focusing system echo reception. Each transmission delay circuit includes first and second delay elements for impressing first and second delay time components on the return signals. Each pair of the first delay elements are coupled in parallel with separate transducer elements, and serially combined with a downstream second delay element.The first delay elements provide a portion of the reception steering capability.

Abstract: A device for inspecting spot welds which comprises a probe for receiving a reflected wave from an inspection material, a weld state display unit for displaying a waveform, a pulse interval and a number of pulses of the reflected wave, and a wave guide connected to an end portion of the probe, for guiding the reflected wave from the inspection material to the probe. The wave guide has an ultrasonic wave propagating section in the form of a cylinder and an internal ultrasonic wave absorbing section obtained by filling an inside hole of the cylinder with an ultrasonic wave absorbing material, the ultrasonic wave propagating section being so dimensioned that the length of an ultrasonic wave propagating path is within the range calculated from the following equation:L=n.lambda..+-.0.2.lambda.where n is an integer value, .lambda. is the wavelength (mm) of an ultrasonic wave, and L is the length (mm) of the ultrasonic wave propagating path.

Abstract: A first oscillator is associated with a pressure detector so that frequency of an output signal of the first oscillator varies in response to variations of the detected pressure. A second oscillator having a same construction as the first oscillator is provided for determining a sampling period of the output signal of the first oscillator, thereby compensating for variations of the frequency of the output signal derived from the first oscillator due to variations of temperature, humidity, a power supply voltage, etc.