Abstract: A helical layer on a cable core produces a zero torque response when the lay angle is chosen according to the inventive method. Previously, two helical layers having opposite lay angles have been used to obtain a zero torque response. Lightguide cables having a metallic helical armor layer, for example, advantageously utilize the present technique, which reduces the tendency of the cable to kink.

Abstract: A friction spinning apparatus comprises two rollers in closely spaced parallel arrangement which define between them a yarn formation zone at an elongate gap along the rollers and a feed duct which extends into the gap so as to feed fibres directly into the gap in such a manner that they can fall directly onto the yarn. The feed duct is formed as two separate parts slightly toward the roller which turns into the gap so as to increase the proportion of fibres joining the yarn at the junction with that roller, one of which includes a planar jointing face of the feed duct and a co-planar first side wall of the fibre feed duct passage in the feed duct, and the other is a complex part defining the other walls of the fibre feed passage as well as a second planar jointing face.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a bearing compartment with seals for confining the oil in a compartment and with compressor discharge pressure supplied to the seals externally of the compartment and in which a restrictive valve controlling the compartment vent is actuated by compressor discharge pressure to be opened in response to a drop in this pressure.

Abstract: The metallic wall of the combustion chamber of a combined rocket-ramjet engine is lined with solid ramjet fuel overlaid with rocket fuel. After the consumption of the rocket fuel in the boost portion of the flight the solid ramjet fuel burns and ablates protecting the metallic combustion chamber wall from high temperatures during the cruise phase of the missile flight.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting the exhaust casing of a turbojet engine on a rigid support structure connected with an aircraft, there being at least two flows, i.e., a primary flow in the exhaust casing and a secondary flow in a shroud which surrounds the casing and which is fastened to the support structure by a rigid ring. The device consists of a plurality of arms each having means to control its orientation.

Abstract: A single valve serves the multiple purpose of controlling cool airflow for either blade tip clearance control (active clearance control) or ventilation control of a jet engine installed in a nacelle of an aircraft. Means for blocking flow to either or both are contemplated as a fire retarding feature.

Abstract: A reaction assembly for a torque converter is disclosed. The outer race of an overrunning clutch is engaged in the axial bore of a reactor member, the outer race bearing axially on one side against a transverse flange of the reactor member. A keeper ring bears against the other axial side of the outer race for axially maintaining the outer race with respect to the reactor member. A bayonet mount is provided between the keeper ring and the reactor member. The keeper ring is rotationally connected to the reactor member by at least one tab fixed to the keeper ring and axially engaged in an axial slot in the reactor member between two shoulders thereon.

Abstract: A device and a method for extracting energy from waves on a liquid from the oscillations of a column 14 of liquid in a chamber 22. The oscillations are caused by an oscillatory excitation force `Fe` produced by the effect of the waves. The phase of the velocity `z` of the column 14 of liquid and the phase of the excitation force `Fe` are brought substantially into phase by arresting the motion of the column 14 of liquid, and holding the column 14 of liquid stationary until the column 14 of liquid can be released in phase with the excitation force `Fe`.

Abstract: A piston and cylinder type thermal device and method of making the same are provided, the device having a cylinder member carrying a piston stem that has an outer end that projects out of the opening of an end of the cylinder member to be extended and retracted relative thereto upon changes of sensed temperature of a charge of material disposed in the cylinder member that operatively acts on a resilient stem seat disposed in the cylinder member and having an opening at one end thereof that receives an inner end of the stem therein. The stem has a lubricant thereon to tend to prevent abrasion between the stem and the seat during the extended and retracted movement therebetween. A lubricant storage unit is carried by the device and has therein a porous member with the lubricant absorbed therein and being operatively associated with the stem for applying the lubricant to the stem external of the end of the cylinder member during movement of the stem relative to the stem seat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of obtaining mechanical work from heat energy comprising heating a body of metal or metal alloy confined within a pressure vessel having a coefficient of volume expansion less than said body of metal or metal alloy contained therein to generate an increase in pressure within the vessel and causing the increased pressure to move a load thereby to do work.

Abstract: A brake booster is provided with a housing (30) having a bore (32) therein receiving a piston (52) carrying a valve assembly (68). An end plug (50) cooperates with the piston (52) to form a work chamber (66) and an input member (84) extends through the end plug to cooperate with the valve assembly (68). In the rest position, the work chamber (66) communicates with a reservoir (38) via passage 112, auxiliary chamber 104, passage 116, bore 32 and passage (40) independently of the piston (52).

Abstract: A master cylinder includes a housing defining a reservoir and a bore for movably receiving a pair of pistons. A primary piston cooperates with a secondary piston to define a primary chamber therebetween and cooperates with the housing to substantially define an auxiliary chamber. The primary chamber and auxiliary chamber are disposed within a substantially uniform diameter section of the housing bore. The primary piston is movable within the bore to communicate fluid pressure from the auxiliary chamber to the primary chamber until a predetermined pressure level is reached in the primary chamber whereupon the auxiliary chamber is vented to the reservoir. A sealing member disposed within a recess on the bore cooperates with the piston to define the auxiliary chamber. Upon initial movement of the piston relative to the sealing member, a small portion of the fluid within the auxiliary chamber is communicated to the reservoir so as to bleed the auxiliary chamber.

Abstract: An ocean thermal energy converter (OTEC) generates electricity from warm surface water in dropping 100 meters or so, and then raises it back to the surface using its own thermal energy in a large floating vacuum chamber. The mist flow process as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,216,657 is employed to accelerate water droplets and water vapor upward from the bottom of the chamber under a pressure difference created by spraying cold water from lower ocean levels into the same chamber. The cold water is sprayed upward and parallel to the upper side walls of the chamber to control the flow of the warm droplets, as well as condense the vapor. This cold spray has too small an initial velocity to reach the top of the chamber, but receives momentum from the accelerated warm droplets. The warm water may be injected substantially vertically or alternatively at an angle inclined toward the axis of the chamber to assist in coalescing and concentrating the stream after the individual droplets have been accelerated upward.

Abstract: A multi-stage, wet steam turbine employs working fluid, such as steam for example, in its two-phase region with vapor and liquid occurring simultaneously for at least part of the cycle, in particular the nozzle expansion. A smaller number of stages than usual is made possible, and the turbine may handle liquid only. Simple construction, low fuel consumption and high reliability are achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to fuel burners and to combustion equipment for use in gas turbine engines.A more uniform mixture of fuel and air can be obtained in an annular flame tube by ensuring that each fuel injector is maintained in a fixed position in relationship to the annular flame tube. The present invention provides a fuel burner and combustion equipment with means to locate the fuel injector in a fixed position in relationship to the annular flame tube.The fuel burner comprises a fuel feed arm and a fuel injector. The fuel injector is attached to the fuel feed arm, and a fuel passage extends coaxially through the fuel feed arm and supplies fuel to the fuel injector. The fuel from the fuel passage is supplied to a fuel chamber in a pintle positioned within a duct in the fuel injector. The fuel chamber supplies the fuel through a number of fuel passages into the duct.

Abstract: A thermal shield structure with ceramic blocks for protecting high-temperature-exposed wall surface in which wedge-shaped supporting members and wedge-shaped members to be supported, respectively provided on the wall surface and ceramics blocks as a plurality of pairs of wedge-groove couplings, are engaged with each other to cover the wall surface with the ceramic blocks. In accordance with the invention, a gap small enough to prevent mutual disengagement of each pair of the wedge-shaped supporting member and the wedge-shaped supported member is provided therebetween to permit movement of the ceramic blocks towards the wall surface. A passage for an air supply into each wedge-shaped supporting member is provided so that each wedge-shaped supported member is urged by the pressure of supplied air to be retained in the wedge-shaped supporting member, whereby the ceramic blocks are held on the wall surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refrigerating or heat pumping process, as well as to an apparatus for performing this process.The apparatus comprises a toroidal cryostat, provided with first and second pipes for supplying fluid at temperature T.sub.1 from a heat source and a pipe for discharging this fluid, a paramagnetic substance support rotating in the cryostat, means for inducing a magnetic field in the cryostat, a fourth pipe for supplying fluid and a fifth pipe for discharging fluid at temperature T.sub.2 relative to a cold source. The magnetic field applied makes it possible, during the rotation of the support, to lower the temperature of the cold source and increase the temperature of the hot source.Application to refrigeration and heat pumping.

Abstract: A process for cooling a passenger compartment of a vehicle equipped with a hydrogen-consuming engine by mechanical refrigeration involves compressing a gaseous coolant, condensing the resulting compressed and heated gaseous coolant with heat removal to liquefy the coolant, and evaporating the liquefied coolant under the action of a pressure relief valve so that the cold generated during the pressure relief is used to cool the passenger compartment. This process is improved by removing additional heat from the compressed coolant by passing the coolant through a metal hydride cooler.

Abstract: The temperature actuated valve comprises a thermally more sensitive valve stem than the valve housing. The stem expands at a faster rate and causes vapor entering the valve to be gradually vented through an orifice of gradually increasing area as the temperature of the gas increases. It has application as a cryogenic phase separator valve which allows any cryogen vaporized in a cryogen delivery system to be automatically vented from the valve and to allow for an even flow of liquid to the spray nozzles and onto products of cryogenic freezing tunnels.

Abstract: Fluid transmission lines in a submarine or hazardous environment are provided with substantially fluid tight seals by the formation of a temporary ice plug within the interior of the line using a housing forming a cryogenic fluid circulation chamber installed around the exterior of the line. Remote controlled valves are interposed in separate conduits for supplying fluid to chambers formed within the housing, venting fluid vapor from the chambers, recirculating liquid cryogenic fluid back to a reservoir and for purging sea water from the chambers formed by the housing. The remote controlled valves are preferably controlled from a service vessel on the water surface or from within a submarine habitat. Conduit assemblies are provided with self closing quick disconnect connector assemblies whereby the service vessel containing a source of cryogenic fluid and a control station may abandon the work site during heavy sea conditions.

Abstract: A temperature control system including an enclosure defining a zone to be temperature controlled, a primary temperature conditioner for controlling ambient temperature within the zone, a temperature sensing mechanism for producing temperature signals dependent on localized temperature within the zone, a controller for controlling the primary temperature conditioner in response to the temperature signal, an error detector for monitoring the temperature signal and producing error signals in response to predetermined abnormal output conditions thereof, an auxiliary temperature conditioner disposed in close heat transfer relationship with the sensing mechanism and selectively energizable during test periods to substantially alter the localized temperatures sensed by the sensing mechanism without substantially changing the ambient temperature within the zone, and a fault detector for producing fault signals in response to given defective output conditions of the temperature signal during the test periods.

Abstract: The invention pertains to method and apparatus for servicing refrigeration circuits wherein the refrigerant is removed from the circuit and the circuit recharged. In accord with the invention the recovered refrigerant may be reprocessed for recharging the circuit, or the recovered refrigerant may be stored and fresh refrigerant employed for circuit charging purposes. Further, the invention contemplates the removal of oil from recovered refrigerant, and the charging of a predetermined amount of lubricating oil into the recharged circuit.

Abstract: Present invention is to provide a heat pump type airconditioner wherein during warming, a refrigerant is successively circulated through a compressor--an indoor heat exchanger--an outdoor heater equipped with a refrigerant heating mechanism--the compressor and wherein a bypass circuit it disposed which includes a solenoid valve for the communication between the delivery side and suction side of the compressor; characterized in that a refrigerant temperature at an outlet of the refrigerant heating mechanism is sensed, that the solenoid valve is opened to bypass the refrigerant at the starting of the operation, that is, at the starting of the compressor, while the solenoid valve is closed when the refrigerant temperature has reached a predetermined temperature owing to heating and that the refrigerant heating mechanism is turned OFF after the refrigerant temperature has risen up to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An absorption refrigeration and heat pump system in which a higher temperature subsystem and a lower temperature subsystem are combined with the desorber means of the higher temperature subsystem in heat exchange relationship with the condenser means of the lower temperature subsystem, and in which the evaporators of each subsystems are in heat exchange relationship with either the load in one mode of operation or the heat sink in another mode of operation, and the absorbers and condenser of the lower temperature subsystem are in heat exchange relationship with the heat sink in the first mode of operation and with the load in the other mode of operation. Means are provided to balance the system including a condensate pump between the higher temperature condenser and the higher temperature desorber. Alternate means are provided to improve lower temperature heat pumping by restricting the refrigerant flow through one of the expansion valves and diverting it to the solution pump.

Abstract: A honeycomb assembly 32 located in the air discharge nozzle portion 30 of a transport refrigeration unit is movable from one position as shown in FIG. 2 in which the assembly functions as an airflow straightener and air throw increaser, to another position as shown in FIG. 4 in which the honeycomb assembly blocks airflow through the discharge nozzle and functions as a defrost damper.

Abstract: This invention relates to an ice cream machine for a domestic use which is placed and embedded in a piece of furniture such as kitchen furniture. The refrigerating coil of the ice cream machine includes a branch portion for permanently refrigerating the remaining free space of the furniture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reversible refrigeration system comprising a compressor, first and second heat exchangers, an expansion valve, three three-way valves, and apparatus for connecting the elements of the system so that the system will operate in a heating mode with the three-way valves adjusted for heating operation, in a cooling mode with the three three-way valves adjusted for cooling operation and in a defrost mode with the three three-way valves adjusted for defrost operation.

Abstract: A portable cooler has a hollow chest provided with a lid and with a lower food compartment as well as an upper food chamber used alternately depending upon the horizontal or vertical disposition of a capped bottle in the chest. Water in the bottle is initially frozen and beverage cans are then placed against concavities formed exteriorly of the bottle. Tabs on the ends of the bottle are either caused to slide within opposed grooves in the chest or laid on an upwardly-facing shoulder in the chest.

Abstract: Rotary thermodynamic compression and refrigeration apparatus and methods in which the mechanical impedance and/or thermodynamic impedance of the system are controlled in order to obtain stable operation. By controlling these impedances, the overall pressure drop of the fluid flow in the system is made to increase with increasing fluid flow rate, thus ensuring stable operation.

Abstract: A presser foot device for a knitting machine includes a blade-like support which, when mounted in the knitting machine, extends downwardly with respect to the needles of the machine, a presser element carried by the support near its lower edge, and a channel-like protective element which enfolds the lower edges of the blade-like support to protect it. The channel-like protective element may include two laminas one at each side of the blade-like support and extending at least as low as the lower edge of the blade-like support, and at least one connecting member joining the laminas and extending between them below the lower edge of the blade-like support.

Abstract: Two-piece yarn carrier for feeding yarn to the circle of cylinder latch needles of multi-feed circular knitting machines, the carriers comprising a yarn guide having a yarn feeding aperture therein and a guard plate secured to the yarn guide, the guard plate overlapping the yarn guide and being interposed between the yarn guide and the circle of needles. The guard plate overlaps and covers the exit end of the yarn feeding aperture to keep needle hooks and latches out of the yarn feeding aperture. The guard plate also returns prematurely closing latches of needles back to their opened position.

Abstract: Energy saving systems for a commercial laundry utilizing a plurality of machines wherein a simple diverter valve directs the effluent from the machines to either a waste area or a recycle tank. In one embodiment a system of troughs in the floor of the laundry are provided to collect the effluents from the different machines are directed to one or the other by the diverter valve. In the second embodiment, a self-contained modular device is provided, but again with separate diverter valves to control the effluent of each machine. Numerous optional features and many combinations of the features are possible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating textile materials, such as carpet, employs an applicator station having a number of spray jets for causing a plurality of streams of fluid to be fanned out into a corresponding plurality of fan shape sheets of spray directed to the surface of a roller. The spray jets are used to spray either air, dye or gum. The roller is mounted for rotation in a dye or gum trough and the jets spray air or other fluid to cause a pattern to be formed in the dye or gum film on the roller. The pattern is transferred to the face of the carpet by a doctor blade or, alternately, directly to the carpet face. The trough may be filled with gum in which case the jets spray dye onto the film of gum picked up by the roller. The trough may also be used for dyeing in which case a different color dye is applied by the jets or multiple roll applicator stations may be provided for multi-color and tone effects. Alternately, no trough is used and dye or gum may be applied by the spray jets to the roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for tanning or dyeing includes a horizontal rotary drum which is rotatably mounted in a frame at only one axle front end thereof. The rotary drum defines a treatment chamber for tanning and dyeing which communicates with a hollow axle for admission and drainage of a liquid treatment medium. Within the interior of the rotary drum, at least two ring pocket sections are provided which are in communication with two connecting lines arranged at the axial front end of the rotary drum and extending in radial direction. With their radially external ends, each connecting line opens into the interior of the associated ring pocket section. The other end of each connecting line extends to the center of the rotary drum which center communicates with associated axial channels within the hollow axle.

Abstract: A high security lock and a high security key for locking and unlocking said lock. The lock has a resilient O-ring seated in the bore of a hollow plunger and a retainer sleeve fixed in the bore of the hollow plunger and bearing against the rear surface of the O-ring. A center pin with an enlarged forward head extends rearwardly through the bore of the plunger, the O-ring gripping the periphery of the center pin and yieldably resisting center pin reciprocal movement within the plunger bore.The key has elongated outer expanding fingers and an inner coaxially arranged center pin. When the key is fully inserted into the lock and the key handle is operated, the expanding fingers are initially radially expanded to grip the inner surface of the lock plunger bore, and are then longitudinally retracted to draw the plunger rearwardly. Simultaneously, the key center pin is prevented from retracting and holds the lock center pin stationary permitting the lock to unlock.

Abstract: Apparatus for locking elements together is disclosed which comprises socket means defining a first axis, knob means, and fastener means for attaching the knob means to the socket means. The fastener means has first and second ends and a middle portion, the first end including means for affixing said fastener means coaxially with, and in, the socket means; the second end including a smooth bearing portion; and the middle portion including a head portion, having faces, positioned beneath the bearing portion. The knob means houses lock means therein and is rotatable on the fastener bearing portion.

Abstract: A lock device for locking the hood of a vehicle equipped with a pivotal latch. A mounting bracket is bolted to the vehicle at a location adjacent to the hood latch behind the vehicle grill. A key operated cylinder lock carries a cam which controls a spring loaded locking arm. A flange on the locking arm engages the latch release lever to prevent it from releasing the hood when the cylinder lock plug is turned to the locked position. The cam releases the locking arm when the cylinder lock is unlocked, and a spring pulls the locking arm away from the release lever to permit unlatching of the hood. In a modified form of the lock device, the cam acts directly against the latch release lever to provide the sole means for operating the latch.

Abstract: The combination lock comprises a shaft (12) to which a cross-member 15 is fixed at the opposite end to that comprising the bolt (9).Between the cross-member (15) and the end of a bush (21) closest to it there is disposed an appendix (40) associated with the knob (42), by means of which, when the knob (42) is moved in one direction and the predetermined combination is set, the shaft (12) and thus the bolt (9) are moved axially, whereas when the knob is moved in the opposite direction, the bushes (21, 22, 23, 24) are moved and are thus disengaged from the combination discs (29), making it therefore possible to change the combination (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A safe deposit-type lock assembly having a fabricated metal cover plate and interchangeable lock noses or insert guides to provide the desired combination of big and little noses. The noses are cast metal provided with a universal size base having locking elements for engaging the cover plate. The locking elements include bayonet-type wings engaging the top surface of the cover plate and locking wedges engaging beneath resilient retainer arms stamped from the cover plate. A locking detent is provided between the retainer arms and the mating locking wedges. The safe deposit door is positioned flush on top of the retainer arms and wings to assure engagement of the detent once the lock is positioned on the back of the door. The heads of the lock plugs are received in the noses providing the desired match for previously installed boxes.

Abstract: A key retaining device for capturing and selectively locking therein a portion of the working section of a key. When the key is locked in the device, its handle section is visible so that the presence of the key can be instantly determined without unlocking of the apparatus, yet the key cannot be removed from the device until unlocked with a master key. Retention of the key within the housing is accomplished by a clamping mechanism employing a pair of blades which reciprocate toward each other to clamp the working section of the key therebetween and reciprocate away from each other to permit free removal of the key, the reciprocation resulting from manipulation of the master key in a lock assembly.

Abstract: A method of providing a cold-worked sealing surface on the annular face of an annular seal ring is disclosed. The seal ring is mounted in a rotatable holder with the annular face exposed. While the holder is rotated, a work tool with a plurality of shot-impregnated flaps is also rotated. The axis of rotation of the work tool and holder are displaced 90.degree.. During rotation, the holder and flaps are placed in interfering relationship so that the annular face is cold-worked by the shot-impregnated flaps. The opposite annular face of the seal ring can be worked in the same manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods and apparatus for manufacturing scored reverse buckling rupture disks. The scores on the disks radiate outwardly from central portions thereof toward the peripheries thereof and have known depths and depth variances.

Abstract: A method of producing a continuous metallic tape from a metallic material wire by rolling. A wire having any desired cross-sectional shape is fed into the gap between a pair of rolls in a direction parallel to the axes of the rolls. The rolls are adapted to be reciprocatingly rotated or oscillated through a predetermined angular stroke. Guide members are provided at the material wire inlet side and the product tape outlet side for shifting the wire and the tape in a direction perpendicular to the direction of feed reciprocatingly and in synchronism with the rotation of the rolls. Pinch rolls are provided for intermittently feeding the wire when the latter is out of the area of rolling pressure.

Abstract: A vertical rolling mill is disclosed wherein a means for driving the mill rolls is comprised of a rigid vertical spindle having universal joints and couplings at either end which is detachably connected to the mill roll at its lower end and connected to a splined driving member at its upper end. The splined driving member consists of two parts. First, a hollow sleeve is mounted vertically in a drive case on the mill frame. The sleeve is supported within the frame through top and bottom antifriction bearings. It has internal splines at the lower end of its bore and an internal shoulder above the spline end. Second, a vertical shaft with an external spline and collar is inserted into the sleeve. The vertical shaft engages the internal spline of the sleeve and is supported by its collar which rests on the internal shoulder in the sleeve. Thus, the top frame, rather than the mill roll bearing, supports the weight of the spindle, joints and pod coupling.

Abstract: A clamp mechanism for upsetter having a row of N-number of split dies each having an upset die and a clamp die, a grip mechanism for opening and closing said dies by relative movement toward and away from each other, and an upset mechanism including punches retractably protrudable into the dies, the clamp mechanism including N-number of pressurizing cylinders opposingly positioned with respect to the respective dies, link members for transmitting the power of the pressurizing cylinders separately to clamp dies of the respective dies, and (N-1)-number of coupling members provided in association with the link members for interlocking the latter to transmit the combined power of the N-number of pressurizing cylinder to (N-1)-number of clamp dies when increased power is required.

Abstract: A process for forming hollow bodies of metal materials, particularly of aluminum alloys, based on a suitable combination of mechanical operations comprising deep drawing, stretching, tapering and tool machining, whereby it is possible to obtain essentially cylindrical one-piece metal bodies with a concave dished bottom and a dome-shaped head provided with a beaded opening. The unitary bodies are characterized in that the cylinder walls are very thin, highly strain-hardened and endowed with high mechanical properties, permitting a remarkable reduction in the metal material amount used in the aforesaid enbloc bodies, destined for being used chiefly as pressure containers, for example for aerosol.

Abstract: A method for displaying the amount of unbalance during rotation of a rotor, preferably in two correction planes, includes adjustment of the amounts of unbalance determined during measurement by a factor obtained during calibration. The method is characterized by measuring unbalance forces of known magnitude and comparing them with predetermined nominal data identical to the known unbalance forces during measurement, and by adjusting the amounts of unbalance of the rotor determined during measurement by the result of the above comparison. The apparatus of the invention comprises an unbalance measuring device, data memories for providing nominal reference data, comparator circuits for comparing the measured values derived from an auxiliary shaft with the nominal reference data to determine adjustment values, and multiplier circuits for adjusting the measured values derived from the main shaft in accordance with the adjustment values.

Abstract: A temperature actuated air flow control comprises a fluid inlet for the gas sample which is connected to an exhaust line through an intermediate venturi chamber into which a gas such as air is vented in order to aspirate the flow of the gas through the inlet to the exhaust. The amount of flow of the aspirating gas controls the quantity of flow of the sample gas through the inlet to the exhaust. A valve chamber in the aspirating gas passage comprises a bimetallic plate which is flexed between a position in which it closes a flow passage for the aspirating gas to one in which it opens the passage. The bimetallic plate is flexed by temperature change. The device advantageously functions to provide for the inflow of a sample or test quantity of a gas and flows through a chamber having a gas sensor to determine the characteristics of the gas and is directed through a venturi section and out through an exhaust.

Abstract: A closed pressure monitoring system (20) is disclosed in which a pump (27) delivers gas on a supply line (22, 29) through a first accumulator chamber (30) to a load device (21) and returns the gas on a return line (23, 28) through a second accumulator chamber (34) to the pump (27). After pressures in the first and second chambers stabilize, the pressures are compared, and a leak warning signal is given if the compared pressures changed with respect to one another over time. The system is particularly adapted to use a pressure sensor as the load (21) which is implanted within a human patient. The pressure sensor receives air from a restrictor (32) in the supply line (22, 29) and is operative to maintain the pressure in the supply line substantially equal to the pressure surrounding the sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided to automatically measure the viscosity of a solution. The apparatus employs at least two sets of piezo electric ultrasonic accoustical transducers mounted along the length of a modified viscosity tube. As the meniscus of the liquid being measured passes the first transducer, a timer is actuated. As the meniscus passes the second transducer, the timer is stopped. The measured time interval enables calculation of the solution viscosity. This invention provides highly improved accuracy and decreased test time for solution viscosity measurements, while eliminating the variables encountered in conventional optical or thermistor measurements resulting from the opacity or thermal conductivity of the liquid being measured.