Abstract: In an air conditioner for a motor vehicle, which, for the purpose of contling the humidity, has in the ir duct suitable devices, controlled by a microcomputer. The microcomputer receives values for outside temperature, inside temperature and inside humidity, measured by sensors. From the values for outside temperature, inside temperature and inside humidity, the microcomputer determines the threshold humidity (l.sub.thresh) as the ratio of the saturated vapor pressure (P.sub.S) inside at the pane and the saturated vapor pressure (P.sub.i) of the inside air. If this difference (.DELTA.l) between threshold humidity (l.sub.thresh) and inside humidity (l.sub.i) falls below a stipulated value (x), dehumidification devices are actuated. If the stipulated value is exceeded, humidification devices are actuated.

Abstract: This expansion valve includes a valve body providing an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber separated by a compound valve. The compound valve includes a check valve seat defining a valve port receiving a check valve element and the check valve element includes a control valve port receiving a control valve element. During normal refrigerant flow conditions when the pressure in the inlet chamber is greater than the pressure in the outlet chamber, the check valve remains seated while the control valve element meters refrigerant flow between the two chambers. During reverse refrigerant flow, when the pressure in the inlet chamber is less than the pressure in the outlet chamber, the check valve is urged away from the check valve seat to provide for relatively unrestricted refrigerant flow between the two chambers.

Abstract: A refrigeration system comprised of a walled insulated enclosure is provided with a drive motor having a drive shaft extending therefrom. The drive shaft and drive motor are positioned along the ceiling of the walled enclosure. The drive shaft terminates at a coupling mechanism. A complimentary coupling mechanism is attached to the top of a well-known movable food rack. Thus, when the food rack is stored within the walled enclosure, the coupling mechanism on the food rack mates with and attaches to the complimentary coupling mechanism of the drive shaft. When the drive motor is actuated, the drive shaft will rotate the movable food rack. It will be appreciated that by rotating the movable food rack, the present invention will permit the food stored on the food rack to chill far more quickly than if the food rack were to remain stationary. In addition, by rotating the food rack, the present invention eliminates warm air pockets which allow bacterial growth.

Abstract: A heat pump installation for generating, for example, either hot water or cool air utilizing a low grade heat source. The installation comprises an oil filled inner tank having mounted and immersed therein an electric motor-compressor unit and an external tank for heating and circulating such water having mounted therein the inner tank in such a manner as to avoid contamination of the oil by the water. Mounted near the bottom of the outer tank in the immediate proximity of the cold water intake is an internal sub-cooling coil which helps to increase the efficiency of the installation. Also, to further increase the efficiency of the installation, preferably there is included an external sub-cooling coil mounted externally from the external tank. Such external sub-cooling coil comprises a primary coil through which the major portion of the refrigerant flows and a secondary coil which serves to withdraw heat from the primary coil.

Abstract: Conventional superconducting magnet systems supply coolant centrally from a refrigerating system and have a current input provided separately in each case or through special magnets at the beginning and end of a section formed from superconducting electromagnets. The superconducting magnet system of the invention, which is to be used in particular for accelerator units, provides a control cryostat between the refrigerating system and the magnet cryostats encompassing the magnet coils of the electromagnets. The control cryostat at the same time has a current supply lead from which the magnet cryostats associated with the respective control cryostat are supplied with the current necessary for excitation through superconducting cables.

Abstract: An evaporator for coolant fluids comprises two tabular elements of different diameter that are inserted coaxially one into the other so as to form a circumferential space within which coolant fluid can circulate. The said space is subdivided into a plurality of adjacent annular chambers by means of a series of annular baffles force-fitted in a sealing manner between the said two tubular elements. The said annular chambers intercommunicate by means of at least a bore made in each of the said baffles, the bore of one baffle being made diametrically opposite the bore in the adjacent baffle. At the opposed ends of the evaporator provision is also made for an inlet duct and for an outlet duct for the coolant fluid.

Abstract: The device comprises a box-shaped element, mounted to a carriage of a flat knitting machine, a plate located above the needle bed of the machine being an integral part of this element.The plate features vertical grooves on one of its sides, within which pins are housed so that they are able to slide along their axes, subject to the action of rockers, which are hinged to the plate and operated by a rod with rack section, located above the plate and moved along their axes in order to raise or respectively lower pins, to the lower ends of which stitch retaining-pressing means are fitted.

Abstract: Warp knitting machine, in particular stitch-bonding machine, a drive for the operation of a row of knitting needles and at least one row of guide needles. The drive for the row of knitting needles and the drive for the performance of oscillatory motions of the row of guide needles are each connected with a separate drive shaft, and the drive shaft of the drive for the oscillatory motions is located under or behind the working plane of the row of knitting needles and before the finished goods and is furnished with a plurality of units of drive means, distributed over the working width of the machine, for the oscillatory motions.

Abstract: This invention provides a lockable portable container, especially a suitcase, a board case, a file case or the like, having a grip movably attached thereto, which is characterized by a coupling means converting the grip movement into a release and/or opening movement of the container locking mechanism, which means is provided as a connection between the grip and the container locking mechanism, as well as by a release blocking and/or opening blocking device arresting the grip movement or neutralizing its transfer to the container locking mechanism.

Abstract: A combination locking device includes a lower base portion secured on a luggage case, and an upper cover pivotally secured to a luggage cover securable on the luggage case, the upper cover having a hasp operatively fastened by a latch tongue resiliently retained in the lower base portion formed with combination dials and sleeves therein so that when the dials in the lower base portion are rotated to their opening combination and a slide member is depressed inwardly to disengage the latch tongue from the hasp member, the upper cover can be opened from the lower base portion in a quick way.

Abstract: A lock protector assembly consisting of a cast protector element, a back up plate and a clamping plate all adapted to fit in the interior of a telephone paystation to substantially improve the resistance of the upper housing of a telephone paystation, with respect to illegal strong arm attack and entry possibilities.

Abstract: An electrical shock-preventable key unit has a case for slidably accommodating a key body, a slide plate and an electrical shock preventing system. The slide plate engages with the key body and slides reciprocally to position it in the extended position or in the retracted position. The electrical shock preventing system comprises a conductive member provided on the case, a resistor for attenuating the current due to static electricity, and a conductive contact piece which comes into contact with the key body in the extended position, and operates to prevent the user from receiving an electrical shock upon locking or unlocking.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and die assembly (26, 30) for forming a splined power transmission member from a thin-walled blank. The apparatus (10) comprises a pair of die assemblies (26, 30), each including a supporting frame (28), first (42) and second (44) die bodies independently mounted on the supporting frame (28) in end-to-end coaxial relationship with each other, with rough (46) and finish (48) spline-forming surfaces formed on the first (42) and second (44) die bodies, respectively. The pair of die assemblies (26, 30) are supported with the spline-forming surfaces of the respective die bodies (42, 44) in spaced, oppoosed, parallel relationship to each other. A power drive mechanism sequentially moves the pair of die assemblies (26, 30) in opposed directions. The power drive means effectuates a rough spline-forming stroke and then returns the die assemblies (26, 30) to the neutral position.

Abstract: A manually-operated fastener installation tool is provided with a self-contained cartridge or magazine for feeding lockbolt collars to an installation position adjacent the tool nosepiece. A fixed, inflexible feed path directs the collars from the cartridge towards the nosepiece to eliminate the jamming which occurs with conventional flexible feed tubes. The entire collar feed path is pivotally mounted within the tool to avoid complex shuttling movements of the collars across transition regions and discontinuities in the feed path to further reduce jamming.

Abstract: A tool pack includes a cradle (30) that defines a space (36) into which ironing die assemblies (80, 100, 106) and a plurality of lubricating rings (78, 102, 104) each associated with an ironing ring are mounted. A lubricant manifold (152) is configured so that the lubricating rings can be manipulated into position to provide communication between the rings and the manifold. The cradle has a pair of spaced locator bars (52) exposed in the space and a cover (40) is pivotally mounted on the cradle to close an access opening and is locked by a clamp mechanism (44). The cover has deflectable metal members (62) that engage the ironing assemblies and lubricating rings and apply pressure to force the assemblies into engagement with the locator bars and also provide sealing engagement between the manifold and the lubricating rings.

Abstract: A spring retainer member of lightweight steel construction material formed in accordance with a method comprising the steps of die stamping a square blank of steel construction material, notching out triangular shapes at each of the midpoints between the four corners of the square blank to form between adjacent notches four radially oriented arms extending at 90 degrees to each other, die stamping a shaft-receiving hole centrally of the blank for the subsequent projection therethrough of a shaft, forming in an initial shaping step a cylindrical shape in the blank in the area of the shaft-receiving hole, and forming in a subsequent shaping step a completed cylindrical shape by bending the four arms into adjacent position to each other incident to closing the previously removed triangular shaped notches, whereby the resulting spring retainer member is adapted to be disposed on a shaft of an overhead door mechanism and attached to an end of a counterbalance spring and to a drum support of the overhead door mecha

Abstract: The disclosure relates to improved methods of forming sheet metal of general application, and particularly useful in the formation of certain forms of merchandise display devices having relatively moving parts serving to serially advance stacks of merchandise packages.

Abstract: A shaping device for corrugating a tube includes at least one mandrel which is radially expansible and has a body associated with at least one relatively resilient arm which carries on its surface an impression whose profile corresponds to the profile of the corrugation to be obtained, and an axially movable locking member for causing the mandrel to move from a retracted position to an outer position in which the locking member immobilizes the mandrel, and hammers. The hammers, the tube and the mandrel-locking member are adapted to be subjected to relative rotations about their common longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A transfer assembly (10) for carrying workpieces (W) to subsequent forming stations in a punch press (12) is disclosed. The reciprocation of a press ram (14) actuates a plate cam (50) having a curvilinear slot (52) disposed therein to arcuately displace a rocker arm (34). The rocker arm (34) linearly drives an input rack (42) having a series of gear teeth extending therealong. The gear teeth of the input rack (42) engage and rotate an input gear (44) integrally connected to an output gear (46) having a pitch circle diameter larger than that of the input gear (44). An output rack (40) having a plurality of gear teeth extending therealong engages the output gear (46) for moving a workpiece engaging jaw (18) longitudinally of the work stations a greater distance than the input rack (42) is moved.

Abstract: The die stamping and punching tool has a press upper part (18) and a tool plate (16) and a press lower part (13) with a stamping or pressing table (14) and counterpressure plate (15), the lower part being carried by toggle levers (11, 11') which are moved by a cam mechanism. The controlled rollable stamping or pressing table (14) with the counterpressure plate (15) and rolling profile has a device for controlling the stamping table movement comprising toggle levers (11, 11') and cam disks (12, 12') driving the same, the cam disks (12, 12') having a shape (A,B) related to the rolling profile. The stamping table can be guided by a further cam disk (29). This controllable stamping table guide preferably comprises a table guide lever (28) pivotable about a fulcrum. One end carries a slider (27) sliding in the stamping table and the other end is driven by the cam disk (29), which also has a shape (C,C') related to the rolling profile.

Abstract: A press apparatus for reducing widths of hot slabs comprises a pair of anvils movable toward and away from each other in width directions of the hot slabs, width reduction heads to which the pair of anvils are attached, respectively, and eccentric presses for reciprocatively driving the width reduction heads through sliders, respectively. The apparatus further comprises width adjusting means incorporated in the eccentric presses, respectively, for changing distances between the width reduction heads and the sliders. Each of the anvils has a parallel portion in parallel to a feeding direction of the hot slabs and an inclined portion on an entry side in the feeding direction. With this arrangement, the reducing distance can be set according to the desired distance of reduction in width in continuous width reduction and the reduction in width can be continuously effected with the set reducing distance with high efficiency.

Abstract: An automatic calibration and control system for a combined oxygen and combustibles analyzer comprises a process control computer which automatically calibrates a combined oxygen and combustibles analyzer. The computer initiates a calibration sequence through a mechanical unit which introduces calibration gases to the analyzer. The computer calculates a drift adjustment for both oxygen and combustibles and applies it to the incoming oxygen and combustibles signal from the analyzer to arrive at calibrated oxygen and combustibles signals. The system allows both oxygen and combustibles signals to be calibrated automatically and concurrently with minimal operator interface.

Abstract: The combination of a measured value transmitter unit, a metering unit and a control unit enables all maintenance measures which become necessary during the course of process monitoring, to be carried out with little expenditure of labor and time and without removing the sensor from the container containing the measured medium. In addition, this combination, in which all functions necessary for carrying out the maintenance can be initiated and/or controlled by pneumatic signals, permits at least partial automation of the maintenance.

Abstract: A manually engagable, portable and disposable tester for torque limiting and torque indicating screwdrivers comprising a horizontal hand-held plate with top and bottom surfaces, front and rear ends, and opposite sides, an elongate deflection beam with front and rear ends in spaced parallel relationship above the plate, a vertical mounting pin at the front end of the beam engaged in the plate for free rotation and against horizontal and vertical displacement, a driver part with a vertical driving opening to establish rotary driving engagement with a screwdriver and fixed to and projecting rearwardly from the rear end of the beam, a pair of laterally spaced vertical reaction posts projecting up from the plate and in sliding bearing engagement with opposite sides of the beam at the rear end thereof, an elongate horizontal pointer with a rear end fixed to the driver and projecting forward in vertical spaced relationship with the beam and having a front end terminating forward of the beam, and a laterally extendin

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for testing pressure relief safey valves in operation that minimizes malfunction and tampering with the associated operating fluid isolation block valve. The isolation block valve is preferably manually actuated from the exterior of the apparatus to assure positive controlled operation. A locking arrangement is provided to maintain the isolation block valve in the open position and prevent isolation of the safety valve during normal operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the density of a liquid using a falling needle viscometer. The viscometer includes a vertical cylinder which is filled with the liquid the density of which is to be determined. Using a funnel at the top of the cylinder, a first needle having a known density is allowed to fall through the liquid in the cylinder. The time that the needle falls between two marks, or transducers, spaced on the cylinder a known distance is measured from which the velocity of the needle through the liquid is calculated. Then a second needle having the same dimensions as the first and a known density different from that of the first needle is allowed to fall through the liquid. The time that the second needle falls between the two marks on the cylinder or transducers is measured and the velocity of the second needle through the liquid is calculated.

Abstract: A system for controlled humidity tests wherein gas transmission through a barrier may be measured, including apparatus for controllably mixing a dry gas and wet gas, for conveying the mixed gas to a test chamber or chambers for measurement of relative humidity and gas transition through a barrier, including gas transmission conduits having a pressure drop of less than 1 percent of ambient pressure, and including conduit temperature controls to maintain a controlled first temperature in the test chamber or chambers, and controlled higher temperatures in all other gas conduits.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing leak integrity of a workpiece such as a wheel rim in which the rim is positioned within a air-tight housing with the axial rim edges in sealing engagement with opposed wall portions of the housing so as to form first and second chambers within the housing internally and externally of the rim. One of such chambers is supplied with air under pressure from a tank which is precharged during the workpiece transfer process. Microphones are positioned in the other chamber for detecting leakage of air through the rim as a function of intensity of ultrasonic radiation emitted thereby. Gross leaks are detected by connecting the pressurized chamber to an air supply through a orifice, and detecting ultrasonic radiation resulting from flow of make-up air through the orifice.

Abstract: Self-driven vehicle for pipelines comprising: a cylindrically designed vehicle body (1) through which and/or around which the pipeline's (10) medium flows, a drive unit (2) on the vehicle body (1) which resiliently bears against the pipeline's (10) internal surface, a hydraulic system which powers the drive module (2), a power supply system for operation of the hydraulic system, and a controller (22) which at least controls the vehicle's movement in the pipeline (10).

Abstract: A drum testing apparatus simultaneously tests the bottom chine, sidewall vertical chine, and wall integrity of a typical drum, such as a 55-gallon drum. The apparatus includes a frame for supporting the drum to be tested in a generally upright position. A turntable base is moveably supported by the frame and provides a rotatable surface for supporting and turning the drum at its bottom end portion. A reservoir immerses the drum bottom chine and the top chine during testing and while the turntable base rotates the drum. A liquid spray simultaneously immerses the drum sidewall and the vertical chine during testing and while the drum rotates. A holder including a pair of spaced-apart flanged portions engages respectively the top end portion and the bottom end portion of the drum and preloads the drum end portions to prevent removal of the drum end portions during testing. An air pressure source pressurizes the drum interior during testing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pressure testing pipe segments. The apparatus including a main body portion thereof with seals located at either end for sealing the main body portion to the inside of the pipe segment. The body portion being withdrawn and inserted into the pipe segment by an extended draw bar attached to one end thereof.

Abstract: An anti-extruding packer for pressurizing under fluid pressure a segment of pipe or the connection between a segment of pipe and a coupling comprising: a cylindrical body member having a central bore and a reduced diameter portion at one of its ends, thereby defining an annular shoulder, a plurality of spaced apart protrusions depending from the annular shoulder, an annular groove provided in the annular shoulder and ring segments mounted on the annular shoulder and matingly engaging the protrusions for preventing the extrusion of the packer in the direction of the flow of the fluid under pressure.

Abstract: A multi-phase fluid flow measuring system for measuring the volumetric fractions of gas, water and oil including a centrifugal separator for conducting primary separation of gas from the liquid phase, a conduit section forming a closed chamber and a piston displaceable into the chamber to measure the increase in pressure of a liquid sample trapped in the chamber in relation to movement of the piston for determining the residual gas content of the liquid phase, a liquid phase flow meter and apparatus for measuring the microwave energy transmissivity through a sample of the liquid phase to determine the volumetric fraction of water and oil in the liquid phase. One embodiment of the system uses two apparatuses for measuring the microwave transmissivity at different pressures of the liquid phase to compare the transmissivity readings as a way of determining the residual gas content in the liquid phase.

Abstract: The fractional volumetric holdup .phi. of a dispersed phase in a two liquid dispersed phase system in a reactor is determined by measuring the travel time of ultrasonic pulses on a fixed path for the dispersed phase, and for the two liquids separately, and calcualted according to the relation ##EQU1## where C*, C.sub.1, and C.sub.2 are the sound velocities in the dispersed phase, the first liquid, and the second liquid. The pulses can be transmitted from a transmitter transducer straight through the contents of the reactor to a receive transducer, or can be reflected off a die or similar flat faced member back to the originating transducer. A sonic velocimeter is disposed along the reactor and draws out a quantity of the two-liquid system, and separates it into the first and second liquids. The sound velocity of each liquid is measured with ultrasonic transducers, and the dispersed phase holdup .phi. is calculated based on these measured velocities.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the in-field measurement of mechanical and physical properties of metallic structures. The apparatus is a Field Indentation Microprobe (FIM) using an indenter that is caused to contact and indent the structure using cyclically applied and released successive increasing loads at the same location. The load and penetration depth data during both cyclic loading and unloading are used to determine the flow properties and fracture toughness of the structure. An X-Y driven testing head supports a load cell which is connected to an indenter holder and the indenter. A displacement transducer is carried by the load cell to measure the depth of penetration of the indenter into the structure, and one or more ultrasonic transducers determine the physical phenomena such as crack size, material pile-up around indentation, and residual stress presence and orientation. A polishing tool is provided to prepare the surface of the structure prior to indentation.

Abstract: A tire testing machine having a rotatably but actuatably fixed upper rim, a rotatable lower rim assembly and a hydraulic cylinder for raising and lowering the lower rim to a desired position. The lower rim assembly has a resiliently-biased center pilot in the form of a cone that is engageable with a recess in the upper rim to center the lower rim with respect to the upper rim and to transmit rotational forces from the upper rim to the lower rim. The centering action of the pilot is assisted by a pair of mating spherical washers associated with the lower rim assembly.

Abstract: Downhole torque and rate of penetration are utilized to develop indications of formations that are porous, argillaceous or tight. This information is useful as an aid in selecting drilling practices and drilling bits. The method separates bit effects from lithology effects when drilling with roller cone or PDC bits by utilizing surface and subsurface wellsite sensors to determine averaged values of real time penetration rate and downhole torque. Changes in bit torque are used to broadly classify the lithology into three categories: porous, argillaceous and tight formations while trends in bit torque and rate of penetration in shale are used to separate wear of the bit from changes in formation strength.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the physical integrity of geological shales and for simulating the environment experienced by geological strata comprising forming a test specimen of the stratum to be measured; immersing the specimen in a drilling fluid, or a mixture of drilling fluids, for a predetermined length of time; spinning the test specimen while immersed up to a predetermined speed while adjusting the temperature of the fluid; and then physically measuring the specimen for disintegration, liquid absorption, and hardness. The apparatus for simulating the environment experienced by geological strata includes means for immersing the specimen in the drilling fluid which comprises a nail having the specimen attached to the shank adjacent the head to hold the specimen inverted below the surface of the drilling fluid.

Abstract: A fluid flow velocity measuring device is shown. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, an elongate body receives a removable spinner cartridge assembly. The assembly is formed of an elongate sleeve surrounding a rotating shaft supported by bearing assemblies at opposite ends of the shaft. The shaft supports a spinner. Particular sizes of spinners are calibrated to a particular flow velocity ranges and density of material. The insert is held in position by a compressed spring behind the insert so that fluid flow is directed from an inlet port in the tool adjacent a petal basket, along an axial passage in the tool, and through the spinner and out through an outlet port.

Abstract: A measuring and sensing head (6, 30, 50) is moved under computer control in engagement with right and left flanks of gears. These may be internal or external gears. The head is moved in a tangential direction with respect to the base circle of the gear and, in accordance with the invention, additionally in a radial direction with respect to the axis (3) of the gear (2), in such a manner that, when setting right and left flanks, respectively, of a gear tooth, the paths of the measuring and sensing head form straight lines which intersect at intersection points (43, 53) outside of the base circle (32, 52) of the gear. The movement of the sensing head is controlled by a computer (C) in accordance with an involute mathematical function following the involute curve of gear teeth. Other curves, similar to an involute curve, may be controlled by the computer.

Abstract: A water meter is locked into its housing to prevent tampering by placing a cover over a hexagon nut and a hand nut. Relative rotation between the hexagon nut and the hand nut is necessary to remove the meter from the housing. The cover has a wrench which fits the hexagon nut and prevents relative rotation between the hexagon nut and the cover. The cover has a boss which engages the hand nut and prevents relative rotation between the case and the hand nut. The cover has legs which engage the housing to prevent relative rotation between the cover and the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the level of a liquid. A metal-detecting proximity sensor is placed near a non-metallic, vertically-positioned guide shaft. A float is placed on the liquid. A tube has one end attached to the float and the other end insertably placed within the guide shaft. A piece of metal is placed within the tube. When the apparatus is used for determining when the level of the liquid reaches a predetermined value, the metal piece has a boundary which is located at the height of the proximity sensor only when the liquid level is at its predetermined value. When the apparatus is used for measuring the level of the liquid, the proximity sensor has an output signal proportional to the distance from itself to metal and the metal piece has an outer surface whose distance to the proximity sensor at the height of the proximity sensor, changes with changes in the liquid level.

Abstract: A machine for mass-centering rotors consists of a pair of spaced apart headstocks, each rotatably supporting an adapter disc, and each equipped with a device for the application of machining centers in a rotor being investigated. Adjuster mechanisms on the adapter discs are removably secured to the ends of the rotor, whereby rotation of the discs causes the rotor to rotate. The headstocks are connected to a vibration sensing vibratory bridge arrangement which picks-up the vibration of the rotor as it rotates. The adjuster mechanisms shift the axis of rotation of the rotor until the unbalance thereof is zero or at a predeterminable level. Rotors of differing length are easily positioned between the headstocks which move toward and away from one another.

Abstract: The apparatus includes excitation windings (5, 6, 7) for imparting to an elongate specimen (1) of ferromagnetic material longitudinal oscillations. A device (30) is provided for cutting off a power amplifier (21) of one (5) of the excitation windings, along with a device (28, 29, 30, 32, 33) for detecting and counting the damped oscillations, after the cutting off of the excitation, whose amplitude is greater than or equal to the initial amplitude of the oscillations multiplied by a coefficient so as to permit the determination of the coefficient of internal friction. The excitation winding are constituted by three coaxial cylindrical windings (5, 6, 7) disposed around the specimen (1).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining a length of a pipe utilizing sound waves, which comprise: transmitting sound waves having a prescribed frequency and a prescribed transmission intensity toward the interior of a pipe at one end thereof by an oscillator; receiving the thus transmitted sound waves at the other end of the pipe by a receiver; measuring a propagation time required for the sound waves to pass through the air in the pipe from the one end to the other end thereof by a clock; and determining a length of the pipe by a length calculator on the basis of a predetermined propagation velocity of the sound waves in the air in the pipe and the thus measured propagation time of the sound waves.

Abstract: A semiconductor transducer with a diaphragm is constructed utilizing a substrate wherein a first portion of that first face is etched to a planar level to achieve a second portion as a physical stop on this substrate, the physical stop having a planar stop face, a sloping sided cavity is etched into a semiconductor wafer from a first face thereof to form a deformable diaphragm in this semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor wafer is anodically bonded to the substrate planar level, with the physical stop located in the cavity and with the stop face acting to prohibit excess movement of the diaphragm. The foregoing abstract is merely a resume of one general application, is not a complete discussion of all principles of operation or applications, and is not to be construed as a limitation on the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Abstract: A mass flowmeter of the Coriolis-type having a primary wherein fluid being metered is conducted through a flow tube in the form of a double loop whose loops are excited by a driver to vibrate in phase opposition at the resonance frequency of the tuning fork. Because fluid passing through the flow tube is subjected to Coriolis forces, the vibrating loops are caused to torsionally oscillate in accordance with the mass flow of the fluid. A pair of sensors mounted on the respective loops sensor signals which are applied to a differential amplifier in a signal recovery system forming the secondary of the meter to produce an output voltage that is a function of mass flow. This output voltage is applied to the input of a microcontroller coupled to an indicator providing a reading of mass flow. The meter is calibrated so that at the resonance frequency under normal operating conditions it produces a reading proportional to mass flow.

Abstract: A Coriolis-type mass flow meter which uses two parallel, omega-shaped conduits and deduces mass flow rate from changes in the phase difference of signals from sensors at the outboard curved portions of the conduits which measure the relative positions of the conduits' sizes.

Abstract: A torque sensor for a cylindrical shaft subject to torque employs an electrically conductive loop on the shaft, which loop exhibits changing electrical impedance with changing stress and strain as the shaft is torqued. In another embodiment, a pair of loops exhibit oppositely changing electrical impedance as the shaft is torqued. In another embodiment, a magneto-elastic electrically conductive loop on the shaft exhibits changing magnetic permeability and changing electrical impedance with changing stress and strain as the shaft is torqued.

Abstract: Apparatus 1 for sampling the contents of a pressurised vessel 2 comprises a valve 3 having an inlet 4 and an outlet 5. The inlet 4 is in communication with the interior of the vessel 2. A sample-receiving pressure receptacle 7 is connectable to the valve outlet 5 in a sealing manner, and a pressure venting line 8 is provided for equalizing the interior of the receptacle 7 with the atmosphere. When the valve 3 is open, a sample of pressurized vessel contents can enter the receptacle 7. When the valve is then closed, the sample remains in the receptacle 7. A probe 31, operable from outside the pressurized vessel 2, is provided so that, when the valve 3 is open, a sample of the vessel contents can be drawn through the valve and into the receptacle 7.