Abstract: A packing device for cut products is used for packing a number of products such as pickles, cucumbers, and the like into a cylindrical holder such as a glass jar. The device includes at least one cutting member for cutting each product into portions, a member for receiving the portions, a member for transporting the holders, and a member for guiding the portions into the holders in a predetermined pattern. The guiding member includes a number of prism-shaped carriers disposed in a circle so that each receives a portion, wherein each carrier is pivotable about an axis from a first position to a second position. Pivoting of the carriers allows for guiding of the portions into the holders according to the predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A powered striker assembly for collecting loose material on the ground has a shaft mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis at a predetermined distance above the ground. The shaft carries an array of striker members. The striker members preferably comprise elastic nonrigid bodies. In the absence of shaft rotation, the elastic nonrigid bodies of the striker members are normally flexed out of a perpendicular relationship with the ground. In response to centrifugal force generated by rotation of the shaft, the flexed striker bodies mutually assume a perpendicular relationship with the ground for contacting and thrusting loose material. In one arrangement, the striker bodies are bent upon themselves in a U-shape and inserted through holes in the shaft, where they remain without use of external fasteners or the like.

Abstract: A door for a refrigerator or freezer shows a rectangular front part (12) with upwardly folded side parts (14), corner parts (15) being located between adjacent side parts (14) and connected with these in to the adjacent corner (13) of the front part (12. The front part (12) forms together with the side parts (14) and the corner parts (15) a completely tight tray which can be filled with plastic foam to a certain level above the front part (12) without the plastic foam being able to force its way out through the corners.

Abstract: A fire-rated fitting includes conduit members forming passageways for wires to extend through an opening in a fire-rated floor. The fitting includes intumescent material which expands under heat to form a fire barrier. A top plate is provided on the fitting, the plate being easily detachable from and attachable to the fitting. The top plate can form a template for marking the locations of mounting holes. The fitting with the top plate attached is then firmly mounted in a non-rotatable fashion in the floor opening by using threaded fasteners through the top plate to attach it to the floor.

Abstract: A gas operated balloon inflating machine for inflating balloons of the kind having a body and a filling neck terminated in a beaded edge. The apparatus includes a gas operated releasable clamping device to secure the beaded edge of the balloon between a support surface and a sealing surface thereby providing for inflation of the balloon from an aperture in the sealing surface. A gas operated control valve selectively supplies gas to the aperture from a reservior and a gas operated sealing device is used to seal the neck of the balloons after inflation. A logic controller selectively supplies pressurized gas from a high pressure source to the clamping device, control valve and sealing means to sequentially clamp, inflate, seal and release balloons. The exhaust gas from each of these devices is directed to the reservoir for inflation of the balloons. The size to which the balloons are inflated is preferably controlled by the size of the inflating reservoir and regulation of the pressure in the reservoir.

Abstract: A method of starting wherein the gas turbine, a gas turbine is started while injecting a prescribed amount of moisture into a combustor or a path for combustion gas from start up of the gas turbine, and the amount of moisture is varied in dependence upon the feed quantity of fuel or the temperature of the combustion gas so that combustion temperature in the combustor or temperature variation rate of the surfaces of component parts of the gas path is approximately constant.

Abstract: A gas turbine combustor and a method of operating the gas turbine combustor, with the gas turbine combustor comprising a combustion sleeve, a combustion sub-chamber disposed at an upstream side of the combustion sleeve and having an air and fuel supply system, and a combustion main chamber disposed on a downstream side of the sub-chamber and having an air and fuel supply system. The combustion sub-chamber and combustion main chamber are formed in such a manner that the start-up of the gas turbine is effected by the hot combustion gas generated in the sub-chamber. The combustion sub-chamber is provided with an inner sleeve protruding from a side wall of the sub-chamber such that a tip of the inner sleeve is located in the vicinity of a downstream end of the sub-chamber, and a fuel nozzle is provided in a tip of the inner sleeve for increasing the fuel-to-air ratio during an initiating period of an increase in the gas turbine rotation speed.

Abstract: A program-controlled heat management system for an aircraft's bypass gas turbine (turbofan) engine installation, in which the engine's fuel system is put into direct heat exchange relationship with the engine's own oil system, and with an engine-driven electrical generators's oil system, by means of respective fuel/oil heat exchangers and also into selective indirect heat exchanger relationship with a variable proportion of the engine's bypass air means of an engine oil/air heat exchanger. The fuel system is switchable between four different fuel flow configurations in order to vary the heat flows between the fuel system and the oil systems, two of the fuel flow configurations also involving recirculation of fuel from the engine's fuel system to a fuel tank in the aircraft wing in order to put the fuel system into selective heat exchange relationship with the tank and hence with the airstream passing over the wing.

Abstract: A method and system (10) for rerouting the pressurized oil flow of an engine (not shown) from a primary filter (14) to a secondary filter (18) in the event of a first sensed pressure differential across the primary filter (14) which exceeds an allowable pressure differential, the excessive differential indicative of a primary filter (14) obstruction. In the event of a subsequent second sensed pressure differential which exceeds a second and higher pressure differential across the secondary filter (18), the oil flow is then diverted through a pump relief valve (19) toward the oil reservoir (26), away from an engine bearing compartment (50). The system (10) also provides sequenced first and second level warnings (40, 42) to the controller/flight crew, said warnings responsive to the operating status of the system (10).

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a transportable electrical generating unit. The invention includes an electrical generation system which runs on agricultural waste or biomass. An alternative embodiment runs on crude oil. The unit is affixed to the flatbed platform of a standard trailer and is transportable by a single truck. The system is also of appropriate height to be shipped in a standard shipping container over long distances.

Abstract: An oxidizing device with a microprocessor control means for removing soot and other particulates from the exhaust gases of a diesel engine having an enclosure with a forward inlet for receiving diesel engine exhaust, a main flow path through the enclosure having a medium for trapping soot and other particulates, a bypass through the enclosure for diverting flow from the main flow path, heating elements embedded in the trapping medium, and a microprocessor control means for selectively regenerating the trapping medium in accordance with certain sensed conditions relating to the status of engine operation and the condition of a particulate trapping medium that is disposed in the main flow path.

Abstract: A pollution control apparatus is shown for use on automobiles and trucks. This pollution control apparatus fits on the automotive exhaust pipe. A collector unit is secured between the exhaust pipe and tail pipe. The collector unit has a pair of blowers or bladed rotors which are impinged by a mixture of exhaust gases and water which causes the water droplets and dissolved and entrained materials to separate and drain through outlet drains. Water is injected into a U-shaped trap between exhaust pipe and the collector unit. Water from the bottom of the collector unit is pumped by a pump to a reservoir and entrained material is separated by a filter. Water from the filter drains by gravity through a radiator coil and thence to the reservoir from which it flows through vacuum valve to a U-shaped fitting. The water is injected into the exhaust gas stream to wash out entrained and soluble material. The mixture flows through blowers which cause the entrained and water-dissolved material to separate as described.

Abstract: A hydrostatic system includes a variable displacement hydraulic motor whose absorption volume is adjusted by a pressure regulator, depending on the rpms generated by the power source driving the system. The apparatus enables the variable displacement motor to fully utilize the drive power avaiable from the power source over a range of operating speeds.

Abstract: In a turbocharged diesel engine (10), the charging pressure P.sub.La is adjusted to run the engine (10) with an empirically determined optimum fuel consumption. A charging pressure feedback signal P.sub.La is fed to a regulating device (40) which receives various operating parameters, including ME.sub.d which represents the power output. A characteristic field in a memory zone (50) in the regulating device (40) determines a control variable (TV) which operates a turbine by-pass valve (22) via an electro-pneumatic converter (28) and a penumatic (vacuum) actuator (26). The characteristic field is such that the charging presssure P.sub.La is reduced in the part load range (cruising speed) to improve fuel consumption.

Abstract: A turbo-charger with a rotor directly connected thereto has a turbine impeller, a turbine shaft secured to the turbine impeller and a compressor secured to the turbine shaft and driven thereby to forcibly feed air into an internal combustion engine. The rotor is provided on the turbine shaft and so structured as to prevent the occurrence of an unbalanced condition during rotation of the turbine shaft.

Abstract: A thermodynamic cyclic process with a gaseous working medium, which is alternately compressed and expanded, in which process a working medium is employed, which experiences a volume expansion due to chemical processes at the higher temperature after the compression and a corresponding volume contraction at the lower temperature after the expansion, is to be improved so that a higher efficiency is achieved. This is achieved in that the volume contraction is endothermic. In this case, the cyclic process can increase the efficiency both in heat engines and also in heat pumps.

Abstract: An energy recovery system for wheeled vehicles is characterized by a compressor/expander which operates as an expander in the run mode to assist the engine in driving the vehcile and as a compressor in the braking mode to store braking energy. A heat exchanger, a boiler drum, and a flash chamber transfer heat from the vehicle exhaust to a working fluid for generating high and low pressure vapor. The boiler drum stores heated and vaporized liquid and supplies high-pressure vapor to the inlet port of the compressor/expander during the run mode. The flash chamber supplies low-pressure steam to the inlet port of the compressor/expander during the braking mode. Storage tanks are provided for storing and passing low-pressure vapor to the input of the compressor/expander during the run mode.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine fuel burner suitable for burning diesel fuel oil comprises an annular body and a center body coaxially located within the annular body so that an annular flow path is defined between them. At the upstream end of the burner an annular fuel manifold cooperates with the annular body and the center body to define two coaxial passages which direct air into the annular flow path with minimal turbulence. The low level of turbulence within the fuel burner reduces the possibility of spontaneous combustion occurring within the burner. The center body is hollow and is provided at its downstream end with an end cap which cooperates with the downstream end of the annular body to define a radial fuel/air mixture outlet.

Abstract: The fueling station of the invention consists of a vacuum insulated storage vessel for delivering LNG to a pressure building tank. The pressure building tank holds a quantity of LNG and a natural gas head. The pressure in the pressure building tank is lowered using liquid nitrogen (LN.sub.2) to condense the natural gas head and is raised by vaporizing the LNG. A valve system connects the supply of LNG in the pressure building tank to the vehicle being supplied to allow either LNG or natural gas to be delivered to the vehicle tank and allows natural gas in the vehicle tank to be vented back to the fueling station. The fueling station of the invention includes suitable controls for controlling the pressure of the LNG delivered to the vehicle, the pressure in the fueling station itself and the pressure in the vehicle.

Abstract: A compact, air cycle air conditioning system including compressor, turbine, heat exchanger and high speed electric motor is thermostatically controlled to supply either hot or cold conditioned air to a load air space. In a second arrangement, compact, exhaust gas driven air cycle air conditioning system including a compressor, turbine, two heat exchangers and an exhaust turbine is controlled by means of an exhaust gas bypass arrangement and supplies either hot or cold conditioned air to a load air space. In a third arrangement compact, exhasut gas driven air cycle air conditioning system includes an expansion turbine, two compressors, two heat exchangers and an exhaust turbine which is preferably controlled by means of an exhaust gas bypass arrangement and supplies either hot or cold conditioning air to a load air space.

Abstract: Refrigeration apparatus for cooling or freezing products such as protein materials includes a drum through which heat transfer fluid is circulated. A belt is wrapped around part of the drum surface and the product to be refrigerated is applied to the drum surface, being pressed thereagainst by the belt. Either liquid or triple point carbon dioxide is circulated through the drum to cool the product in contact therewith. Other heat transfer fluids such as D-Limonene or DOWTHERM may also be circulated through the drum. A tank and related apparatus for cooling the heat transfer fluid is also disclosed.

Abstract: For separating cooled and uncooled water in a refrigerated bottled drinking water cooler well, a floating receiving reservoir floats in the well and has an upper edge resting on or above a surface of water in the well, the reservoir having an open top surface and being supplied by uncooled water from a mouth of a drinking water bottle turned upside down and submerged in the reservoir. A conduit communicates the reservoir with a first water outlet as the floating reservoir moves up and down in the well. Drawing water from the first outlet causes a level of uncooled water in the reservoir to be lowered until air enters the mouth and water from the bottle is emitted into the receiving reservoir. Drawing water from a second outlet connected to the well causes a level of the surface of water in the well and thus of the uncooled water in the floating reservoir to drop until air enters the mouth and water overfills the receiving reservoir pouring over the upper edge into the well.

Abstract: Using a series of identically sized, single row, single circuit refrigerant coil modules, fin/tube refrigerant coils of different nominal air conditioning tonnages are constructed by arranging different numbers of the identically sized modules in accordion-pleated orientations, with each modular coil having the same depth in the direction of intended air flow across the coil. Compared to conventional "A" coils used on the indoor side of air conditioning circuits, these accordion-pleated modular coils are more compact in the air flow direction, provide more coil surface area, permit lower coil face velocities with higher fin density, and significantly reduce the overall coil manufacturing costs since only one size of coil slab needs to be fabricated and inventoried to later assemble refrigerant coils of widely varying nominal air conditioning tonnages.

Abstract: The present invention is a jewelry item having in one embodiment a rotatable four-sided decoration bar whose rotation and orientation are regulated by biasing springs, including a frame and at least one elongated turning bar having decoration sides and at least one group of four detents located adjacent to one end of the at least one turning bar each corresponding to a respective decoration side, where the at least one turning bar is pivotally mounted on said frame. The present invention jewelry item further includes an arrangement for regulating the rotation of the at least one turning bar which includes at least one biasing spring and at least one regulating object engagable to a respective one of the detents on the at least one turning bar. The rotation of the at least one turning bar is halted when the at least one regulating object is engaged to a respective detent on the at least one turning bar.

Abstract: A drying device of a washing machine includes a housing with a perforated drum disposed in the housing. A stationary drum is provided around the perforated drum forming a clearance between them. A plurality of radially extending and circumferentially spaced ribs project outward from the wall of the perforated drum to a position adjacent to the stationary drum.

Abstract: A steering lock for motor vehicles comprises a locking element which prevents rotation of the vehicle's steering shaft (2) . The locking element is spring-loaded into a locking portion and can be shifted to the unlocking position against the action of the spring by a locking cylinder (3) and a rotary eccentric (16). The locking element consists of a locking sleeve (8) which surrounds the steering shaft (2), is mounted axially mobile but secured to remain fixed against rotation in the steering lock housing (1), and has locking teeth (12) at one end. The locking sleeve (8) co-operates with a locking ring (7) fastened to the steering shaft (2) and which also has locking teeth (11) at one end.

Abstract: An automobile three-stage steering lock comprising an elongated body member, an elongated tube member adapted to move in telescopic way in the body member, an elongated rod member adapted to move in telescopic way in the tube member, three hooks, each of which is provided in the body member, the tube member and the rod member for engaging a steering wheel and the edge of a windshield, and a locking mechanism associated with the body member allowing the tube member and the rod member to extend with respect to the body member and be locked at any of a plurality of positions.

Abstract: An attachment (9) which transforms a lock cylinder having a cylinder housing (30), an aligning bracket (27), and a cylinder core 41a into a lock cylinder with an interchangeable core (40a). The interchangeable core (40a) is held in place and is attached to the interchangeable attachment (9) using a conventional cylinder core nut (21). With a control key (50) inserted into the cylinder keyway (42) within an interchangeable core (40a), a push rod (51) comes into contact with a plunger head (19) at the front end of the plunger (11). The plunger (11) is pushed back, allowing the locking balls (13) to recede into the inward position; at this point, the only thing holding the interchangeable core lock cylinder (40a) in the cylinder housing (30) is the security back-up pin (14). With the control key (50) inserted, turn right five degrees and pull. The interchangeable core lock cylinder (40a) will come out. A new interchangeable core lock cylinder (40a) can be inserted using the same procedure.

Abstract: A cylinder and plug assembly is released by depression of a springloaded release button. The release button engages a radially directed aperture in a unitary shell. The radially directed aperture has longitudinally directed, diametrically opposed extensions which facilitate engagement and disengagement of the release button with the aperture.

Abstract: A cupfeeder for feeding cups from a supply chute to a feed location in operative alignment with a drawing and ironing machine is disclosed. The cupfeeding mechanism comprises a push rod mechanism mechanically driven in reciprocating strokes to advance a cup which has dropped from the lower end of the chute to the feed location along a transfer path defined by a positioning member. The push rod mechanism includes an inner push rod extending telescopically from an outer push rod driven by the reciprocating drive. The inner push rod is maintained by pressurized fluid in a fixed axial location, relative to the outer push rod, to project forwardly therefrom to a maximum extent to engage the cups in the cupfeeding process. In response to jamming of a cup within the drawing and ironing station, pressurized fluid is re-routed within the outer push rod to retract the inner push rod and prevent further transfer of cups along the transfer path.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for resizing the throat of a cylindrical container and simultaneously reforming a preformed flange on an open end of such container. In one embodiment, the throat of the container is resized by applying an outward force to the throat to increase the diameter thereof. Moreover, the preformed flange is forced radially outward. However, the outward radial movement of at least a portion of an outer edge of the preformed flange is restrained during such resizing. As a result, at least portions of the preformed flange flex between the throat and the restrained portion of the outer edge. These flexed portions project to differing degrees and at least a portion of this projecting flexure is maintained after the reforming process to improve flange uniformity.

Abstract: A compact rolling mill for rolling sections includes rolling stands such as universal rolling stands and two-high rolling stands arranged along several rolling lines. Provided in the rolling lines are longitudinal conveyors for transporting the rolling stock along these rolling lines and cross conveyors for transporting the rolling stock between the rolling lines. At least two universal rolling stands are combined with one two-high edging stand to define a universal tandem compact group which together with further universal stands and two-high rolling stands may be displaced from one rolling position to another rolling position in a same rolling line or in a different rolling line. The drive unit is directly coupled to the stands along the outermost rolling line while the other remaining stands are indirectly connected to the drive unit transversely across the other rolling lines via other rolling stands.

Abstract: Shifting apparatus for use in a transfer press having moving die bolsters. The shifting apparatus includes transfer rail sets that are located on the bolster and on the fixed bed that are interconnected during the normal transfer of the work pieces between dies. Transfer fingers are carried by both transfer rail sets that serve to engage the work pieces and move the work pieces through the positions of the transfer press. The transfer finger shift apparatus extends between the two rail sets and includes a shaft carrying a shift base member which has transfer fingers connected thereto. An elevating device is provided on the fixed bed to raise the transfer fingers sufficiently to pass over the top of the transfer fingers located on the bolster. When it is desired to move the transfer fingers from the fixed bed to the bolster, the transfer rails are moved in the direction of the bolster moving the transfer fingers along the shaft and onto the bolster.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel pipe ring crimping tool which is adapted for crimping a ring over plastic plumbing pipe onto a plastic fitting.

Abstract: A tool is provided of forming a sleeve to the joint of enhanced resistance to pressure loading and which can be employed with relatively large diameter pipes, in which the sleeve and tube are crimped to each other by diametrically opposite crimps extending concavely inwardly of the outer surface of the sleeve and convexly inwardly of the inner surface of the tube, the respective crimps being isolated from each other by struts extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve and tube, provision being made for equalization of the stresses produced in a seal ring contained in an annular flange of the sleeve during compressive reduction of the annular flange, provision also being made for the axial movement of the sleeve relative to the tube during compressive reduction of the flange.

Abstract: An adjustable support for a die of a press brake includes a mounting bracket which has first and second interconnected portions. A mounting device connects the first portion of the mounting bracket to the ram or bed of the press brake and maintains the second portion of the mounting bracket adjacent a bearing surface of the ram or bed of the press brake and from movement relative to the bearing surface. An adjustment device is provided for engaging the bearing surface of the die and maintaining the die from tipping movement relative to the bearing surface of the press brake during loading of the die. The adjustment device is connected to the second portion of the mounting bracket. The adjustable support is particularly suited for plate forming and bending operations.

Abstract: Pressure sensing device having a housing (12) with a bottom wall (14) and interior surface (16) and having upstanding edge wall (18) around the periphery of said housing (12). A layer (22) supports a pressure sensing element (30) and its circuitry. A porous gas permeable support layer (40) overlies said pressure sensing element (30) and includes a gas chamber (42) adjacent to the pressure sensing element (30). A gas permeable membrane (50) is supported on said support layer (40). The elements are sealed with respect to the housing as is wire or cable (32) leading from the pressure sensing element (30) to instrumentation remote from the sensing device for readout of measurements by the sensor device (10).

Abstract: An ultrasonic detection system having a flat faced radiator for providing a narrow beam of ultrasonic energy with minimal dispersion. The system includes an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver unit coupled to an ultrasonic transducer for producing ultrasonic energy. The system also includes a planar radiator and a coupling device between the ultrasonic transducer and the planar radiator. An encapsulating member surrounds the ultrasonic transducer for damping ultrasonic energy transmitted by the transducer in all but one direction. The encapsulating member is also coupled to the planar radiator in areas of the planar radiator that are not coupled to the coupling means. The encapsulating member has an area of increased density immediately adjacent to the planar radiator for damping the ultrasonic energy in areas of the planar radiator that are not directly coupled to the coupling means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus for determining the size distribution and concentration of particles in suspensions, emulsions or aerosols utilizing ultrasonic excitation. The invention is applicable over a wide range of particle sizes (0.01 to 1,000 microns) and concentrations (0.1% to 70% by volume). The present invention is particularly useful for industrial on-line measurement and control of highly concentrated slurries. The method comprises the steps of directing ultrasonic waves through the suspension at selected discrete frequencies over a selected frequency range and measuring the attenuation of the ultrasonic waves passing through the suspension for each of the selected discrete frequencies to thereby obtain a measured attenuation spectrum for the suspension over the selected frequency range.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices for detecting the moisture content of material such as a diaper using a change in bulk dielectric constant. More particularly, the invention relates to a moisture sensing device which provides an accurate indication of the moisture content of a material such as a diaper when merely placed in the vicinity of the diaper. In a preferred embodiment, the device is a hand-held device which can be readily transported and which can detect diaper moisture without piercing the diaper or attaching electrodes directly to the diaper.

Abstract: A storage installation capable of storing a variety of materials includes a shielded level sensing device disposed entirely externally of the container. The sensing device includes an elongated strip of metal which is associated with shielding circuitry for electrostatic protection of the strip. The sensing metal strip serves as a capacitor component in an oscillator circuit which is arranged so that the electrostatic field emanating from the sensing strip will change oscillator amplitude in proportion to the level to be sensed of material in the container. Detected changes in amplitude of the oscillator circuit produce a DC level proportional to the level of the oscillator amplitude, which in turn may be processed to indicate the level of material within the storage container.

Abstract: A point level sensor senses capacitance of a material in a vessel to determine level. The capacitance is input to a comparator which is part of an oscillator circuit developing a square wave signal having a period corresponding to capacitance. A microprocessor includes an internal counter which determines the period of four pulses to determine an average period. The microprocessor drives relay circuits providing discrete outputs according to specific precalibrated levels to be sensed. The point sensor includes a self-test mode which operates once per second to test for shorting of the probe, expected frequency response and an open probe.

Abstract: A semiconductor accelerometer including a weight, a support frame surrounding the weight with a gap therebetween, at least one beam for connecting the weight to the support frame, a piezoresistor attached onto the beam for detecting acceleration, and stoppers for restricting the movement of the weight relative to the support frame, in which at least one first projection integrally mounted to the weight and at least one second projection integrally mounted to the support frame cooperate to function as the stoppers. At least one first cross member and at least one second cross member may cooperate with the first and second projections. First and second stopping members may also cooperate with the first and second projections.

Abstract: An ultrasonic microscope comprises an acoustic lens for emitting an ultrasonic beam, a movable shaft for supporting a sample, and a drive circuit for moving the movable shaft and thus the sample relative to the acoustic lens in a z-direction. Two signals for eliminating x-direction and y-direction inclinations of the sample relative to the acoustic lens are supplied to the drive circuit in synchronism with an x-direction drive signal and a y-direction drive signal, so that the sample is moved in the z-direction and scanned with the ultrasonic beam in an x-y direction while the sample inclination sample to the acoustic lens is being eliminated.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling an object such as fruit having a major axis, includes at least one roller and a drive unit. The roller frictionally engages the object. The drive unit rotates the roller at a speed sufficient to cause the major axis of the object to be reoriented in a predetermined direction. This facilitates measuring the size and density of objects in a consistent manner.

Abstract: A surface energy meter (10) includes a probe (18) having two spaced apart electrodes (38 and 40) with a centrally located fluid dispensing head (36). When a fluid of known surface tension is dispensed onto a material (22) having unknown surface energy, the surface energy is determined by the volume of a fluid drop (42) which bridges between electrodes (38 and 40). The volume of the fluid drop (42) is closely regulated using a stepper motor (24) and by tracking the number of steps and volume dispensed per step required for the fluid drop (42) to expand to a point where the electrodes (38 and 40) are bridged. When a fluid of unknown surface tension is to be tested, materials having known surface energies are used.

Abstract: A gauge is described for measuring the gas pressure in high pressure gas cylinders. The gauge is mounted in the high pressure port of the cylinder valve, while gas is delivered through a lower pressure portion. The gauge comprises a cylindrical housing and a retaining nut, with the housing rotatable relative to the retaining nut. The cylindrical housing encloses a coiled bourdon tube which communicates with the gas in the cylinder and coils up or uncoils in response to changes in pressure. A viewing glass encloses a pointer and scale arrangement seated in the housing to permit the gas cylinder pressure to be displayed.

Abstract: The invention proposes a novel weighing method and a device for exactly determining the weight of a continuous stream of bulk material. The stream is conveyed without interruption into a tubular weighing machine (1). A blocking slide valve (4) is cyclically closed and opened and the weight increase per unit time is measured, the slide valve (4) being closed in each case, and an average is obtained from a very large number of weighing operations repeated in the same manner, and is used by computer means (5) for calculating the entire amount of bulk material. The weighing cycle is very short, in some cases less than 10 seconds, and is continuously repeated. The large number of measurements gives high statistical accuracy of about .+-.0.02%, i.e. of the same order as for a container-type weigher.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the velocity of flow of a fluid, by: causing fluid to flow through a conduit section defining a monitoring region, the conduit section having an interior defining a flow path which is free of any physical obstruction that can significantly influence fluid flow in the monitoring region; propagating a beam of energy across the flow path in the monitoring region in a direction transverse to the flow path, the energy being selected such that the beam is modulated by turbulence occurring in the fluid; detecting the modulated beam at a single location in the monitoring region after the beam has traversed the flow path and generating a single electrical signal representative of the detected modulated beam; and processing the single electrical signal in a manner to provide an indication of the modulation of the beam produced by the turbulence in the fluid.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flow meter consists of a metering tube made of an electrically non-conductive material and having a thick outer wall. The tube has at least two measuring electrodes and at least two magnetic poles, each of which is disposed in a blind bore of the tube. The poles are linked to one another by a yoke fitted with a magnetic coil. To achieve greater measuring precision both the yoke and the magnetic coils are mounted in a recess inside the outer surface of the metering tube. The recesses are in the form of through holes and grooves. When fully assembled all magnet components are disposed inside the outer surface of the metering tube.