Abstract: The upper run of a tomato harvester shaker chain is oscillated by a plurality of rotating arms which contact the chain along each side. Each arm is driven by a separate hydraulic motor, alternate motors along each side, and the motors driving the arms directly opposite one another on the two sides, being of different size or capacity to provide varying oscillatory speeds both along and across the chain. The motors along the two sides of the chain are connected in separate hydraulic series circuits, the flow rate through each circuit, and hence the speed of the motors thereof, being selectively controlled by variable speed control valves. Also, a hydraulic flow divider is preferably provided in the line between the pump and hydraulic motors to supply different proportions of the total flow to the groups of motors in each series circuit.

Abstract: In a roll baling machine having an apron movable in suitable manner to form roll bales of crop material, air springs are used to maintain tension in the apron. The air springs each include an air bag and a piston. The air pressure in the air bags is adjustable in order to adjust the tension in the apron.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for wrapping strips of sheet material in tape form around a pipe or conduit having a generally circular cross-sectional external shape. The apparatus includes a frame assembly having a pair of annular frame members connected by a desired number of frame cross members for structural support, each frame member being hinged to open around a conduit; a guide roller assembly including a plurality of drive wheels angularly adjustable with respect to the conduit being wrapped to vary the angle of the drive rollers with respect to the conduit being wrapped for varying the amount of sheet material overlap; a plurality of support rollers connected to the frame; a sheet material feeding assembly; a sheet material tensioning assembly; and a tape backing material take off assembly.

Abstract: A reel holder and clamping arrangement for a strander cradle is disclosed. The reel holder and clamping arrangement comprises two pintle assemblies each incuding a bearing housing, a pintle rotatably mounted in the bearing housing and means for mounting each bearing housing in axial alignment one on each side frame member. First cam means are associated with at least one of the pintle assemblies for moving its associated pintle along the axis of the reel for clamping a reel between the pintles. A reel holder engages the flanges of the reel when the reel is received within the cradle for positioning the core of the reel in alignment with the pintles of the pintle assemblies. Second cam means are associated with at least one of the pintle assemblies for moving the reel holder out of engagement with the flanges of the reel when the reel is clamped between the pintles.

Abstract: The invention concerns a spinning preparatory machine with suspended pivotable flyers arranged in at least one row. The flyers are supported in a frame composed of a longitudinal beam and two arms and arranged at right angles thereto, which frame is pivotable about a pivoting axis between an operating position and a doffing position. A pivoting and loading system is connected with the frame in such a manner that the frame is locked in its operating position.The spinning preparatory machine according to the invention shows, among others, the advantage of an accurate positioning of the pivotable flyers in a locked operating position, high operational reliability and affords safety against accidents from occurring.

Abstract: Apparatus for stranding wires and covering them in plastics insulation by providing a rotationally flexible elongate member with spaced wire guiding elements, twisting means for twisting the member alternately in opposite directions, and an extension to the elongate member, the extension lying radially within an annular extruder barrel and terminating adjacent the extrusion orifice. In an arrangement for simultaneously stranding wires into different groups and covering the groups within the same insulation, reversible driving means for two or more elongate members is mounted upon a frame. Preferably, each elongate member has its own individual driving means.

Abstract: Wire stranding apparatus having elongate wire guide means which is rotationally flexible about its axis and defines individual feed paths for the wires with means to prevent rotation of the guide means at its upstream end and a twisting means to cause torsional twisting of the guide means in alternate directions at the downstream end. Direction changing means is provided to change direction of twist after a predetermined amount of twist in each direction. The changing means includes a trigger device (e.g. an arm) secured to the guide means towards its upstream end and initiating means which senses the position of the trigger device after the predetermined twist in the guide means to initiate the change in direction of drive. The upstream position of the trigger device gives it small rotational movement around the guide means compared to the rotational movement of the downstream end of the guide means.

Abstract: Wire stranding apparatus having tubular means having passage means to provide wire feedpaths, the tubular means being rotationally flexible about an axis, being held against rotation about this axis at an upstream end and having twisting means to cause alternating torsional twisting at its downstream end. The feedpaths are held in fixed positions apart either along the whole length of the tubular means where the tubular means is a single tube with at least two side-by-side passages or comprises tubes with their outer surfaces in continuous contact. When the tubular means comprises two or more spaced tubes, these are held in fixed relative positions at spaced locations along the tubes. To accommodate axial contraction and extension during twisting, the tubular means has an axially acting resilient means which maintains axial tension on the tubular means.

Abstract: An open-end spinning machine having a plurality of spinning units (5) arranged side by side in a row extending in the longitudinal direction of the spinning machine. Each of the spinning units (5) has a filter (11) disposed at the front surface thereof and extending for substantially the entire width thereof. All the filters (11) arranged on the spinning units (5) disposed at one side of the spinning machine lie on a substantially identical imaginary plane slightly upwardly inclined from a horizontal plane when seen from the front to the rear. Each spinning unit includes a duct means (13) having air passages (15, 23, 27, 31) extending from the openings (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) located adjacent to the filter (11) to the upper surface of a feeding roller (25), the upper and lower surfaces of a combing roller (21), and the periphery of the combing roller (21).

Abstract: An improved gas turbine engine combustor assembly particularly for automotive application including a primary reaction chamber disposed in a pressurized air plenum of the engine, fixed area air flow ports between the reaction chamber and the plenum, a prechamber housing at an upstream end of the reaction chamber having an annular fixed area air passage between the plenum and the reaction chamber, a radially expandable annular partition in the air passage dividing the latter into an inner annular prechamber portion and an outer annular excess air portion, and a fuel nozzle operative to spray fuel into the prechamber portion where it vaporizes and mixes with air passing through the prechamber portion to provide a combustible mixture of properly lean air-fuel ratio in the combustor. The flow areas of the prechamber portion and the excess air portion vary in mutually inverse relationship and combine to always substantially equal the flow area of the air passage.

Abstract: System for waste heat recovery, comprising a combustion machine (2,3) with a compressor (4) for the combustion air (30) and means (7) like a heat exchanger (13) and/or a recirculation duct (14), to transfer heat, contained in the combustion gases (37,38,39) after their expansion in the machine (3), to the combustion air flow (33) before its entry into the compressor (4). Water (8,8') is introduced into the (to be) heated combustion air flow (30,33) cooling it by its evaporation, and the vapor is partially condensed again in a cooler (6) fitted in the compressed flow (34) after leaving the compressor (4). The condensation can take place at higher temperature, thus the system acts as heat pump for the waste heat. The compressed air flow (35) enters extra cooled into the combustion chamber (2) which provides an additional advantage. For the compressor (4), combustion chamber (2) and turbine (3) a normal gas turbine may be used.

Abstract: An improved energy conversion device for converting the energy carried by a laser beam to kinetic energy of a working fluid transparent to the laser radiation incorporates a seed gas having a relatively low dissociation temperature. The beam is focused to a beam spot the maximum diameter of which depends on the total power of the beam.

Abstract: In an engine muffler of heat-exchanging type three basic components of a muffler casing, a catalyst casing and a heat-exchanger casing are individually manufactured as separate structural components and then have their flanges connected overlappingly and fastened together by clamping means, whereby fabrication of the muffler is simplified, it is made more compact and an easy access for maintenance is ensured.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for reducing the level of noise emitted by air turbine machinery, particularly a pneumatically driven hydraulic pump for an airplane, wherein a modulating valve meters the flow of air from a source of pressurized air through a conduit to an air turbine to control the speed of the turbine. A pressure regulating valve is located in the air conduit upstream of the modulating valve to regulate and maintain the upstream pressure on the modulating valve at substantially the minimum pressure required in order to permit operation of the air turbine over its full range of speed as the amount of airflow is varied with the modulating valve. Reducing the pressure across the modulating valve in this manner minimizes the production of supersonic airflow and attendant noise by the modulating valve, which noise is otherwise propagated to the atmosphere through the turbine exhaust stream and is additionally radiated by the turbine casing.

Abstract: A plurality of hydraulic turbines is provided to generate electrical energy. A first hydraulic turbine is powered by the flow of water from an upper reservoir to plurality of holding tanks. Compressed air is used to return the water from the tanks to the reservoir. A second hydraulic turbine is provided in the return line which connects the tanks with the reservoir.

Abstract: A reciprocating external combustion engine wherein energy is supplied to a working end space of the engine by direct injection into the cylinder of liquid water at a high temperature and pressure. The water acts as a heat-transfer medium. Some of the liquid water spontaneously vaporizes on injection, driving the piston. Liquid water is exhausted from the cylinder and recycled to an external heat exchanger for reheating prior to reinjection. The engine is capable of a thermal efficiency greater than that of the Rankine cycle.

Abstract: Improved exhaust gas recirculation systems for turbocharged gas engines that include an exhaust pipe, a turbocharger connected thereto, and a carburetor connected with a source of gas for the engine. The recirculation system includes an air conduit extending from the turbocharger compressor discharge to a venturi, an exhaust gas conduit that extends from a connection with the exhaust pipe between the engine and the turbocharger to the venturi, a second air conduit that extends from the exhaust pipe to a connection with the first air conduit, and control valves located in the exhaust gas conduit and in the second air conduit. The valves are closed when the engine is being started or idling at no load and open when a load is imposed or when engine rpm's are increased. No pumps, blowers, etc. are needed because the system operates on a differential in pressure created within the system to cause the exhaust gas recirculation.

Abstract: In a gravity head geothermal energy conversion system, downwardly flowing working fluid is supplied to a downwell turbine pump in heat transfer relationship to the upwardly flowing geothermal brine. The working fluid which is used to drive the downwell turbine pump is reheated by conveying the working fluid upward in heat transfer relationship with the geothermal brine to a predetermined point.

Abstract: An electrical control system for environmental conditioning equipment such as a heat pump is disclosed. An electronic control module in the control system has input and output plugs which may be disconnected from the module and connected to each other so that the module is bypassed while maintaining basic operation of the equipment. This allows the electronic control module to be serviced, tested, and/or repaired while maintaining basic operation of the equipment.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for identifying certain disabling abnormal conditions in an ice maker. The system includes a display panel having a pair of indicator lights and a push button switch, which when used together with a legend enables the operator to determine which particular abnormal condition needs correction.

Abstract: In an automobile air-conditioning control apparatus, in accordance with a setting temperature signal and an actual temperature signal, a microcomputer controls the rotational speed of blower motors and shifts the direction of flow changing plates, so that the control between a concentrated blowing condition and an overall blowing condition may be effected successively and gradually.

Abstract: An air conditioning system comprises a first air duct having an inlet port and an exhaust port opening into a room, a room air circulating fan for introducing the air inside the room into the first air duct through the inlet port and discharging the air into the room through the exhaust port of the first air duct, solar heat collector for producing hot air by utilizing solar heat, a second air duct adjacent to the first air duct on the inlet port side thereof, hot air feeding fan for feeding the hot air from the solar heat collector into the second air duct, a rotary total heat exchanger for dehumidification disposed between said first and second air ducts so as to extend severally in the two ducts, a third air duct adjacent to the first air duct on the downstream side of the rotary total heat exchanger, outside air feeding fan for feeding the outside air into the third air duct, a stationary multi-diaphragm-type sensible heat exchanger for cooling disposed between the first and third air ducts so as to be lo

Abstract: A jewelry clasp for a jewelry band having chain-link terminals comprises releasably interlockable male and female clasp members. Slip-on connection means are rigidly secured to the distal ends of the male and female members to provide a solderless arrangement for attaching the chain-link terminals of the clasp. Each slip-on connection means is formed from a helix having approximately 11/2 coiled turns so as to form an entrance opening into which the chain-link terminal can be inserted into linking engagement and secured without soldering or special tools. A rectangular blank for making the male clasp member includes an end notch for receiving the helix to be rigidly secured and a laterally projecting leg adjacent thereto adapted to become bulbous when heated and thus form the pin portion of a safety latch.

Abstract: A yarn feeder mechanism for circular knitting machines has a plurality of feed fingers with yarn feed extremities at the front thereof and movable between a low feed position and a high inactive position, means for selectively lowering the feed fingers, and a latchguard plate which is liftable to a non-obstructing position. The feed fingers are associated with abutment means for engaging the feed fingers to the rear of the respective yarn feed extremities and means are provided for simultaneously lifting the yarn feed extremities and the latchguard plate to the non-obstructing inactive position while maintaining the latchguard plate in spaced relationship to the yarn feed extremities in the non-obstructing position.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement for a machine winding arrangement can determine a process variable related to the length of a wound-up or let-off material. A rotational angle signal is extracted from a rotatable winding carrier. In addition this angle signal can also contain information concerning the direction of rotation of the winding arrangement. The process variable is then calculated from this turning angle signal and calculation data, by means of a computer. The calculation data, transmitted from an input device, include at least values which are concerned with the diameter of the winding and thickness of the winding layer. The computer can contemporaneously be utilized to calculate the desired amount of rotation of a beam motor from: the process variable, a setting amount from the input device and a main shaft signal indicating rotation of the main shaft of the winding arrangement. The arrangement is particularly suited for the winding up or letting off of thread of a textile machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for spraying steam includes a base having a top surface, an upwardly projecting fixed pole segment and a plurality of downwardly extending openings positioned along the periphery of the top surface. A flexible steam hose includes a first end having a spray nozzle affixed thereto and a second end releasably coupled to a steam generating device within the base. A pole formed from a plurality of pole segments is vertically mounted to the fixed pole segments. The pole segments are constructed and arranged to be received in the openings in the top surface and to extend upwardly therefrom so that the pole segments and the top surface cooperate to form an open enclosure which can be used to retain the flexible hose therein. The nozzle may be suspended from the uppermost end of the pole. A cover is provided to be placed over the upstanding pole segments to provide a self-contained compact steamer with all components stored together.

Abstract: Tamper deactivating pivotal motion transmission assembly, e.g. between a motor vehicle deck lid exterior lock and interior latch, comprising a bearing, e.g. containing a bore concentric to an axis; an actuator mounted thereon for pivotal movement about the axis at an activating position, e.g. for releasing the latch, and for deviating movement out of operative relation with the bearing to a deactivating position, e.g. preventing latch release; an urging mechanism, e.g. a spring, urging the actuator to deactivating position; and a pivotal force transmitting shaft, preferably of curved cross section and flexible and extending through the bore, e.g. axially connected at its head end to the actuator for conjoint movement therewith relative to the bearing and having its tail end remote therefrom and arranged for attachment under tension at a remote reference point, e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed is an auto anti-theft ignition switch lock for preventing unauthorized access to the ignition switch which is mounted on the steering column of most conventional automobiles. The ignition switch lock includes a housing, one end of which is shaped to conform to the contours of a steering column, having a latched enclosure member which is shaped to adapt to the column for securement of the device to the steering column. The device further includes a housing and a movable access door therein which is shaped to conform to the contours of a pair of long narrow uniform furrows which is manifested beneath the surface of a pair of interior walls within the housing, stops, guide surfaces and a key operated latch for selectively controlling the movement of the door, which moves along in constant frictional contact with the smooth surface of the pair of hollowed out furrows.

Abstract: A lock and key combination in which the lock is of the plunger operated type and the key has elongated resilient fingers with a mandrel for expanding the ends of the fingers in an engagable portion of the lock plunger. The head of the lock is provided with a central recess, and the head of the key is provided with a forwardly extending spacer at the base of the fingers for entering the recess and axially positioning the ends of the fingers in relation to the engagable portion of the plunger. The structure of the interface between the lock and key allows the manufacture of locks and keys of various combinations, determined by the cross-sectional shape of the spacer and recess, and of various "levels" determined by the length of the spacer and the depth of the recess. In a lock and key of a higher "level" the spacer is longer, the recess is deeper, the resilient fingers are longer, and the engagable portion of the lock plunger is deeper in the lock housing.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a locking device and, more particularly, a security bracket, finding particular application for bicycles and the like with brake handles. The security bracket comprises a small U-shaped shackle and a member which is slidable thereon and a lock. In use the brake handle of the bicycle is locked by the shackle in a position which urges the brake handle toward the bike handle to thereby apply braking pressure to the bike until the shackle is unlocked.

Abstract: This invention relates an electronic locking device that may be operated manually and by key input, selectively, depending upon the various circumstances. In the locking condition, a hole is provided on an unlocking member and a hole is provided in a retaining mechanism, and the holes are aligned to allow the insertion of a moving piece into the both holes; and at unlocking, both of the holes are misaligned to prevent the insertion of the moving piece into either of the two holes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for securing a first article such as a bung in a second article such as the substantially closed end of a container having a receptacle for receiving the bung. The device comprises means mounting selected portions of the first article and selected portions of the second article for rotating the first article in the second article in a first direction a predetermined distance to capture the first article in the second article and means mounting the first article and engaging the second article to permit rotation of the first article relative to the second article in a direction opposite to the first direction and to limit rotation in the direction opposite to a distance less than the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A cylinder lock including a rotor casing formed with a groove and an elongated through-opening, a rotor rotatably received in the rotor casing, tumblers which are respectively formed with projecting ends engageable with the groove and slidably fitted into the rotor, a tumbler blocking member slidably inserted into the elongated through-opening, a plunger and a plunger driving device. By the above arrangement, the cylinder lock can be positively unlocked either by using a key or without using the key and instead using the plunger driving device and driving the tumbler blocking member.

Abstract: In a metal extrusion press, extrusion tools such as dies, mandrels, and closure members for billet receivers, are lubricated by bringing into contact with these tools, while the tools are hot, candles of lubricant material which melt on contact with the tools. The candles are moved into and out of engagement with the tools by a movable support operating automatically in the press cycle.

Abstract: A ball peening machine used for forming or surface treatment is constructed with a unique delivery system. The peening media is loaded by gravity from a hopper to a conveyor belt which is constructed with paddles extending transverse to the direction of travel. The media is delivered to the work piece at the end of the conveyor where it turns sharply downward. The paddles tend to propel the media downward.

Abstract: Shot peening of thin edges of workpieces which are subject to deformation damage by direct impacts is accomplished by rotating the workpiece edge near centerline through a particular angle measured from the normal to the shot streamline. The angle is sufficient to cause oblique blows on the centerline of the edge, but insufficient to cause direct impacts. Compressive stresses by the oblique blows provide residual compressive stresses along the centerline to the desired depth. The angle is calcuable from the edge radius, the depth of stressing desired at the centerline, and the depth of stressing produced by shot at a reference location. Oscillatory rotation is preferably used to obtain even peening.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming fins on a tube surface. The apparatus comprises a plurality of roller assemblies and each roller assembly includes first and second spaced apart sets of discs. The first set of discs have progressively increasing outside diameters in a forward direction. The second set of discs includes a first subset of discs having outside diameters generally equal to the outside diameter of the forwardmost disc in the first set, and a second subset of discs having progressively increasing outside diameters in the forward direction, with the outside diameter of the forwardmost disc in the second subset generally equal to the outside diameter of the forwardmost disc in the first set.

Abstract: A radial infeed thread roll attachment comprising a pair of jaw elements each having a thread roll mounted at one end and a roller secured on the other end, a housing, pivotally mounting the jaw elements in opposed relation thereon, a cam assembly mounted on the housing and having an inner portion having a wedge-shaped cam element at one end and a threaded member at the other end and an outer portion, a spring for forcefully maintaining the rollers in engagement with the cam element for preventing the rotation of the inner portion when the outer portion is rotated whereby rotation of the outer portion will result in the axial displacement of the inner portion relative to the outer portion, the outer portion having an outer axially fixed element and an inner axially displaceable element threadedly related to the inner portion threaded member, the outer element having an axially extending keyway and the inner element having an axially extending key, a hydraulic cylinder with an air-on-oil hydraulic booster or o

Abstract: A method of making an elastic thread having a closed cavity inside the thread profile comprises plastically deforming the walls of a preformed helical groove by means of a thread-forming tool (2). The helical groove is made at least double-start and having a pitch equal to that of the thread to be formed, one of the starts serving for directing the thread-forming tool (2) which, during the process of plastically deforming the walls of the helical groove, transforms each of the remaining starts into a closed helical cavity (3) disposed inside the thread profile.A thread-forming tool for practicing the above described method comprises threading rollers (7) having a circular thread and uniformly disposed around a circumference in a body (4) provided with a starting portion (5).

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a helical wire coil which can be subdivided into discrete spiral binders for use in steno pads or other types of stationery products has a driven mandrel with a cylindrical intermediate section flanked by two frustoconical sections whose larger-diameter ends are adjacent to the respective axial ends of the cylindrical section. The wire to be coiled is fed into the inlet of a helical path which is defined by guide pins distributed around the sections of the mandrel. The inlet is adjacent to one of the frustoconical sections and the wire which is fed into the inlet advances along the helical path to be coiled during travel around the one frustoconical section, thereupon around the cylindrical section and finally around the other frustoconical section. The exposed surface of the cylindrical section may be grooved.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making certain types of parts which are stepped in one plane and curved in other planes transverse to the planes in which they are stepped. The invention uses a specially shaped billet which is formed into the part in a closed flashless die set at warm forging temperatures.

Abstract: A flexible wedge for use under the die of a press to compensate for deflection of the die when force is exerted against it, the wedge being elongated and tapering across its width and having graded flexibility along its length with the portions nearer the ends of the wedge being more flexible in order for the wedge to deflect as a uniformly load beam when a concentrated force is applied at its center to position it under a die.

Abstract: A method for calibrating transducer type strain gages 10 is disclosed which utilizes a temporary bonding system for accurately predetermining the individual apparent strain curve characteristics of the gages 10 and subsequently employs a computer to match the apparent strain curves of the individual gages 10 to determine which gages 10 should be used together. The temporary bonding system requires a test block 25 on which the gages 10 are temporarily bonded, several thermocouples 15 for monitoring temperature and a data acquisition system for recording apparent strain data. Initially, a group of strain gages 10 are attached to the test block 25 using a bonding agent that disintegrates at high temperatures. The gages 10 are then wired to an appropriate data acquisition system and data collected throughout a predetermined temperature excursion. Once the data is obtained, the test block 25 is heated until the bonding agent disintegrates, freeing the gages 10 from the test block 25.

Abstract: The elongation of a rope or cable under impact stress is measured by attaching a light emitting diode (LED) to a free-falling weight which loads the rope upon impact. The LED is turned on in response to a drive signal indicative of stress of the rope of greater than a given value. The lit LED and an adjacent scale are photographed to provide a record of the distance through which the LED moves, when on, and this indicates the amount of elongation of the rope to failure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for checking sealed containers for pinholes in a vacuum which containers have enclosed therein a vaporizable material, such as a glucose injection solution, distilled water for injection, milk or oil, or a sublimable substance, such as naphthalene (hereinafter referred to collectively as a "vaporizable substance"). With this invention, the vaporizable substance adhering to the sealed container and remaining in a checking chamber is vaporized first by a vaporizing suction means communicating with the checking chamber, and the vaporized substance is cooled and collected by a cooling heat exchanger to eliminate before checking the disturbances due to the vaporizable substance and to thereby assure accurate detection of pinholes.

Abstract: A method for recovering oil from a waste oil emulsion or sludge where the waste oil emulsion is heated and chemicals are added to obtain oil-water resolution, which includes conducting bottle and beaker tests on waste oil emulsion samples to obtain a trend which depicts a drop in viscosity as a function of the type and dosage of chemical added, and apparatus for utilizing the waste oil emulsion viscosity trend in the operation of a waste oil cooker or recovery vessel to add type and dosage of chemicals.

Abstract: A viscosimeter having a first cell containing mercury or other electrically conductive fluid, a second cell containing a sample of fluid of unknown viscosity, and a pair of passages interconnecting the ends of the cells to form a closed circuit. A plurality of electrodes extend into the second cell in spaced relationship with each other along the cell's axis and are connected to an electrical circuit. Upon the opening of valves in the two passages, the conductive fluid urges the sample fluid through one of the passages and flows through the other passage into sequential contact with the electrodes in the second cell. The electrical circuit detects the rate of movement of the conductive fluid past the electrodes and produces an output signal related to the viscosity of the sample.

Abstract: Measuring the foaming characteristics of crude oil comprises saturating the crude oil with a gas inert to the crude oil under high pressure and passing the gas-saturated oil into a flash separator. The amount of foam formed is measured with respect to the amount of gas withdrawn from the flash separator and the amount of oil contained therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing and testing fluid samples in which a two-phase fluid mixture passes through equipment for homogenizing the mixture with at least one isokinetic sampling device arranged to remove portions of the homogenized fluid mixture, with the portions then being passed through testing equipment. Preferably, geothermal fluid is homogenized and samples are withdrawn by the isokinetic sampling device and tested for various properties of the fluid, particularly the formation of scale. The testing apparatus is adapted for on-site operation.

Abstract: A pressure gauge utilizing pressure sensitive liquid crystals. Several embodiments are disclosed of a liquid crystal tire pressure gauge associated with a valve stem of a tire. A pressure chamber in the gauge is provided with access to the tire pressure, and includes a transparent window for allowing viewing therethrough. A liquid crystalline material is mounted within the window, and is subjected to the pressure being measured such that it is responsive to different pressures to provide different visual appearances, thereby providing a reading of the pressure. In different embodiments, the pressure chamber is constructed as an integral part of the valve stem, or alternatively the pressure chamber is constructed as an integral part of an attachment cap which mounts on the valve stem.