Abstract: A hydraulic actuating system and method comprises a pump which continuously circulates hydraulic fluid out of a reservoir into a pressure line limited to a predetermined maximum pressure by a pressure-limiting valve and a control valve connected to the pressure line controlling flow of hydraulic fluid to an operating cylinder. A clearance volume in communication with the pressure line collects compressed air entrained in the hydraulic fluid flow which upon opening of the inlet valve expands to displace a portion of the volume of flow of hydraulic fluid required for actuation of the operating cylinder.

Abstract: A Hydraulic control circuit and a hydraulic control apparatus therefor are disclosed to preferentially feed fluid in a controlled amount or below to a first circuit system and feed fluid in an excessive amount exceeding the controlled amount to a second circuit system, and change over a pressure generated to a pilot pressure. Changing-over of control valves which are provided in the second circuit system permits a pilot pressure to be generated in the circuit. When any trouble occurs in the control valves, fluid fed to the second circuit system is unloaded, to thereby eliminate a possibility that an actuator is unexpectedly actuated.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling the actuators of a construction vehicle. The system comprises electronic controller, an automatic selecting switch for selecting automatic control for actuators, as requested, control levers for being manipulated by an operator in order to instruct the controller of desired operations of the actuators, and positional sensors for sensing respective positions of the actuators and outputtng signals corresponding to the positions of the actuators to the controller. In the system, the actuators during performing repeated operations are such automatically controlled that they are controlled during a first operation by the operator's manipulations for the control levers, thereafter, during each sequential operation, they are automatically controlled by the controller on the basis of electric control currents having been automatically calculated by virtue of a displacement ratio between the actuators during a just previous operation.

Abstract: A hydra-jack screw apparatus is provided for exerting a force against an object, for adjusting the magnitude of the force exerted against the object, and for providing a visual indication of the magnitude of the force exerted against the object. The apparatus is comprised of a base member housing a piston chamber, a jack screw extending from the bottom of the base member, a fluid pressure gauge mounted on the base member, and a pair of pistons received in the piston chamber for reciprocating movement. One of the pistons has a piston rod that extends through a center bore of the jack screw and engages against an object against which a force is to be applied. The second piston has a piston rod that extends from the piston chamber of the base member and is attached to a manual forced adjusting knob. A volume of fluid is contained in the piston chamber between the first and second pistons, and as the manual knob is turned, the pressure of the volume of fluid is adjustably increased or decreased.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake subassembly for a vehicle having an engine compartment and a passenger cell separated by a bulkhead (46), the subassembly comprising: a pneumatic boost servomotor controlled by way of a pedal (28) and intended to be fixed to the bulkhead (46), the servomotor comprising, coaxially, a front shell (14), having a cylindrical wall, and a rear cover (16) and having, on the inside, two chambers (18, 20) separated in leaktight fashion by a piston (22) provided with a diaphragm (26) ensuring leaktightness between the two chambers, a master cylinder (10) fixed to the front shell (14) and at least one brake pedal (28).

Abstract: A method for monitoring the operating condition of a steam turbine, to which an adjustable inlet steam quantity can be supplied and from which a variable, partially expanded steam quantity can be extracted, includes initially ascertaining a relative inlet steam quantity for an adjustable inlet steam quantity as a percentage value, and ascertaining a relative turbine power from the relative inlet steam quantity as a percentage value; and determining an applicable operating point from the relative inlet steam quantity and the relative turbine power, and subsequently displaying the applicable operating point inside a performance graph for various extraction steam quantities.

Abstract: A combustor includes a first premixture supply device provided in a central portion of a combustion chamber disposed generally concentric with a combustion cylinder, and a second premixture supply means provided adjacent to an outer periphery of the first premixture supply device. The first premixture supply device is operable when the combustor is under a high load, and the second premixture supply device is operable when the combustor is under a low load. A method of operating a combustor is also proposed wherein the combustor comprises a combustion cylinder having a combustion chamber therein and a premixture supply device provided on one side of the combustion cylinder for supplying a combustible mixture to the combustion chamber. The premixture supply device comprising at least two inner and outer premixture supply devices.

Abstract: In a method for the thermal conditioning of electronic equipment mounted on aircraft, a flow of ram air is tapped and transferred to first means enabling said flow of air to be given a first negative gradient of temperature after which, if necessary, the flow air coming from said first cooling means is transferred to second means capable of giving a second negative gradient of temperature to said flow of air, after which the flow of air coming directly from the first cooling means, combined as the case may be with the flow of air coming from the second cooling means, is transferred to the immediate vicinity of the electronic equipment to be cooled, thus achieving an appropriate thermal conditioning of said electronic equipment. The disclosure also relates to the systems designed for the implementation of this method.

Abstract: A cooling system inside a beverage can bottom which is activated by pressing a bubble or combination or bubbles formed in the top of the can. The bubbles are internally connected to pin rods interconnected to one or more capsules located in the bottom of the can. The capsules contain a gas, usually in a liquid form such as liquid nitrogen or air. Pressure on a bubble causes the pin rod to activate a capsule or capsules thereby releasing gas into a closed loop plate system positioned within the can. The gas is of a type which causes the plate system to cool, thereby cooling the beverage in contact with the plate system.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for the precooling of a helium tank of a cryostat, in particular an optical cryostat with optical components in the helium tank, or an NMR cryostat, or a medical NMR cryostat for magnet resonance imaging, which accepts a superconducting magnet coil, a simple and cost effective precooling is achieved in that liquid nitrogen is directed out of a storage container under small overpressure via a conduit through an opening in the helium tank of a cryostat into a heat exchanger arranged in the helium tank and therefrom, by way of an opening, out of the cryostat and, finally, into a collecting container, in particular, into a nitrogen tank surrounding the helium tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of defrosting an evaporator coil of a transport refrigeration unit which includes microprocessor based electrical control. The electrical control maintains the temperature of a conditioned space at a predetermined set point temperature via hot gas heating and cooling cycles. The evaporator coil is defrosted to remove frost and ice by closing a damper to the served space and initiating a heating cycle. At the termination of defrost, a cooling cycle is initiated, but the damper is maintained in a closed position for a predetermined period of time to remove heat built up during the defrost process. The invention also detects damper malfunctions, including failure to close prior to defrost, and failure to open after defrost. The invention also evaluates manual and timed requests for a defrost operation, overriding the requests in response to predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A method of detecting conditions during the operation of a transport refrigeration unit which may cause shutdown, and then modifying the operation of the unit in an attempt to find an operating condition that will keep the unit operating safely. The unit includes a compressor driven by an engine operable at low and high speeds. Upon detecting an over-temperature condition of the engine a first modification is initiated, including switching the engine to low speed. If the engine temperature does not drop to a safe value, a second modification is initiated. If the engine was in low speed when the over-temperature condition was detected, the second modification is initiated immediately. Upon detecting a low oil pressure condition, the engine is switched to high speed. If the oil pressure rises to a safe level, engine operation is continued at high speed. Appropriate alarms accompany the modified operating conditions.

Abstract: A control system for controlling cooling equipment comprising a refrigerant circuit for cooling water by heat exchange, a plurality of cooling modules in a backup relationship with an adjusting apparatus for adjusting the cooling capability of the refrigerant circuit and a controller controlling the adjusting apparatus for adjusting the cooling capability, a control module having a coolant temperature sensor and a controller for calculating a cooling capability control command based on the value detected by the coolant temperature sensor. The controller in one of the cooling modules controls the adjusting apparatus and on the cooling capability control commend transmitted from the controller in the control module.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovering sealed container has at least a refrigerant passing portion. A connecting portion connects the refrigerant passing portion of the refrigerant recovering sealed container to a refrigerant supply/discharge port of an existing refrigeration cycle unit. A cooling section cools the interior of the refrigerant recovering sealed container so that a refrigerant filled in the existing refrigeration cycle unit is introduced into the refrigerant recovering sealed container through the connecting portion as a gaseous refrigerant and is recovered as a liquefied refrigerant. A measuring section measures an amount of the refrigerant recovered in the refrigerant recovering sealed container as the liquefied refrigerant by the cooling section. A control unit supplies control signals for activating the connecting portion, the cooling section, and the measuring section in a predetermined order.

Abstract: A refrigerant compressor to be incorporated in a refrigerating circuit of a car air-conditioning system, having a suction side connected to the refrigerating circuit for receiving a refrigerant gas to be compressed, a discharge side for delivering the refrigerant gas after compression, and a bypass passageway arranged between the suction and discharge sides and constantly closed by a passageway-closing valve, and opened by the passageway-closing valve, only when the lowering of a suction pressure prevailing on the suction side to a pressure level below the atmospheric pressure level immediately after a start of the operation of the compressor at a high speed after a long non-operation of the car air-conditioning system.

Abstract: A household type refrigerator has a refrigeration system including a subcooling flow control valve placed between the outlet of the condenser and the inlet to the capillary tube. The subcooling flow control valve utilizes a sealed capsule of refrigerant which operates to open and close a valve to modulate the flow from the condenser to the capillary tube to insure only that a subcooled liquid enters the capillary. The valve is mounted vertically next to the compressor and has the inlet line to the valve secured in heat conducting contact to the return line to the compressor for faster opening and closing response while the discharge side of the valve has a chamber filled with a plug to minimize the volume of refrigerant remaining between the closed valve and the entrance to the capillary when the compressor is on the off cycle.

Abstract: A combined refrigerated merchandiser comprises a pair of upright support panels, a merchandising refrigerator spanning between the upright support panels for refrigerating and displaying soft drinks and the like, and non-refrigerated shelves spanning between the upright support panels for merchandising and displaying non-refrigerated snack items and the like. In one embodiment, the refrigerator is located in a lowermost position and is of the chest-type, while the shelves are located in an uppermost position and comprise a plurality of display rack shelves. In another embodiment, the refrigerator is located in an uppermost position and is of the gravity feed dispenser type, while the shelves are located in a lowermost position.

Abstract: A water droplet collector for collecting drops of dew condensed from the air onto cool surfaces in a high humid compartment such as a cooling storage cabinet formed to store perishable fresh foodstuffs therein. The water droplet collector is composed of a perforated thin plate and a base plate detachably overlapped with the perforated thin plate in such a manner as to form a capillary clearance for attraction of drops of dew condensed on the perforated thin plate. Both the plates are detachably mounted within the high humid compartment in such a manner that the base plate is arranged to receive drops of dew falling from a ceiling of the compartment.

Abstract: A beverage cooling device is provided for use with a capsule containing preferably liquified gas such as carbon dioxide. The beverage cooling device includes a cap section having a top with at least one aperture formed therethrough, a push rod projecting downwardly from the top, a sidewall, and a base. Additionally, the beverage cooling device includes a base section detachably secured to the cap section with the base section having a bottom and a base section top. The base section top has formed therein a base section aperture and the base section has projecting upwardly therefrom a pierce pin. The base section bottom also has a lower surface adjacent the pierce pin.

Abstract: An article of manufacture in the form of a container for serving and storing food is provided with inner and outer sidewalls. The inner and outer sidewalls are disposed and configured to provide a space therebetween which is adapted to receive a coolant. The coolant is configured to fit into the space between the inner and outer sidewalls and provide a substantially uniform cooling to the food stored in the container. The container may be provided with a tray and a receptacle for an absorbent material to absorb condensate from the outer wall.

Abstract: A receiver dehydrator for a refrigeration system for heating and cooling accommodates flow in either direction. It comprises a canister with openings near the top for coupling to refrigerant lines, and tubes inside the canister extending from the openings to tube mouths at the bottom of the canister for either intake or withdrawal of liquid. A baffle between the mouths allows liquid passage from either mouth to the other but inhibits flow of gas bubbles. The baffle has many perforations for liquid flow and an inclined vane outside each opening directs rising bubbles away from the perforations to encourage migration to the top of the canister. Alternate perforations have vanes on opposite sides of the baffle for gas-liquid separation in either flow direction. A desiccant bag between each tube mouth and the baffle further aids in such migration.

Abstract: A heat pipe is disclosed for use in a vapor-absorption heat pump to provide high efficiency heat transfer between first and second fluids in contact with opposing first and second faces of the heat pipe. Although preferably disk-shaped and adapted for rotation for use in compact heat pumps, the heat pipe may be used in heat pump applications requiring other shapes, and may be either fixed or moving. In a further aspect of the invention, a vapor-absorption heat pump is provided incorporating at least one such heat pipe in at least one component thereof.

Abstract: A single post and locking member for a pierced earring that is self contained having a first section projecting from an earring base member and a second section extending from the first section normal thereto, both sections adapted to pass through an ear lobe and a locking member shiftable in the second section to lock the earring within the ear.

Abstract: A slider needle for knitting machines has a needle body (1) with a hook (2), a slider (3) arranged to move in the needle body (1) and a swinging member articulated on the needle body (1) behind the hook (2). To avoid excessive travel when forming a stitch and to ensure the separation between the old stitch and the strand newly fed in, there is a spring (10) in the needle body which causes the swinging the member (4) to move away from the hook (2) so that one lateral edge (7) of the swinging member (4) is almost vertical.

Abstract: Warp knitting machine comprising at least one guide bar axially displaceable by a pattern drive and a return spring acting thereon. At least two separate springs acting in combination upon the guide bar, have different resonant frequencies. Furthermore, they have independently adjustable, effective spring forces. By this means, it is possible to obtain a higher rate of revolution for the warp knitting machine then was heretofore possible.

Abstract: An entry lock assembly comprising a dead bolt incrementally extendible by successive turns of a key, a slam bolt which is bodily reversible and blocked against retraction by the dead bolt when extended, and a lock face plate which is bodily reversible, for rehanding the lock.

Abstract: A waterlock comprises a threaded cap nut (11) which fits tightly over the threaded end of a water pipe (15) or faucet (21). A sleeve (10) fits over the cap nut to prevent access to the nut. The sleeve is free to rotate about the cap nut such that turning the sleeve will not turn the nut. The nut has a flat end with a central hole (16), while the sleeve also has a flat end with a central hole (14). A stem (12) with a flange (17) at its base extends outwardly through the holes. The flange secures the stem to the nut by engaging the inside of the nut. An orthogonal hole (18) in the stem accepts a padlock (20) which prevents the sleeve from being removed from the cap nut.

Abstract: A door lock security device is disclosed for locking over the shaft of a door lock rotary knob or a door knob. The device comprises an inner cover which is further comprised of first and second shell portions having an opening between them for closing around the shaft of the door lock rotary knob or door knob, an outer cover which substantially encompasses and overlaps the inner cover to sufficiently shield the inner cover to prevent tampering, and a lock for releasably securing the outer cover to the inner cover. When the inner and outer covers are engaged together around the shaft they prevent the door lock rotary knob or the door knob from being manipulated from a closed to an open position. In one embodiment the first and second shell portions of the inner cover are hingedly attached along one edge while in a further embodiment the first and second shell portions are releasably secured together in a closed position at an opposite edge by a clasp.

Abstract: A flat plastic key suitable for replacing a corresponding metal key having a key alignment groove disposed in a side of the key is configured to actuate a rotary cylinder lock having a rectangular lock entrance slot. The plastic key includes a head, a shank and a bit. The shortened key alignment groove extends along the side of the key creating a decreased key thickness adjacent to the groove. The shortened groove terminates in the key shank at a groove termination point to define a groove length less than the corresponding groove length of the metal key to thereby increase the volume and strength of the plastic key shank relative to the volume and strength of an exact plastic duplicate of the metal key shank to increase the strength of the plastic key and its capacity to transfer the input torque to the sidewalls of the lock entrance slot.

Abstract: A control system for automatically counterbalancing the ram and tooling of a mechanical press by the measurement of strain in a press component or components subject to stress during operation of the press. The air pressure in one or more counterbalancing cylinders is varied to maintain balanced conditions in response to the strain measured at the top of the press cycle.

Abstract: A two axis tracer (10) includes a back plate (34) and a front plate assembly (49) which includes a single sensing member (24) at the top end of which is a mushroom-shaped cap portion (28). Mounted on back plate (34) is a slider assembly (38) which moves in one direction between the front and rear edges of the back plate (34). The front plate assembly (49) is mounted to the slider assembly (38). A first air cylinder (60) operating a lever arm (52) provides movement of the sensing member (24) in the other direction, which is perpendicular to the one direction. A second air cylinder (68) includes an extendable rod, the end of which is secured to the back plate (34), providing movement of the front plate assembly (49) by action of the slider assembly (38). The top and peripheral edge of the cap portion (28) contact surfaces of the part to be worked in the two directions.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for drawing and forming a bright wire of a predetermined diameter and cross-section, from stock of a greater diameter. It includes the steps of (a) continuously feeding said stock from a supply spool through the process; (b) mechanically removing scale from said stock; (c) applying a coating of lubricant carrier to the descaled stock; (d) applying drying air to the stock with the lubricant carrier thereon; (e) applying a lubricant to the carrier-coated stock; (f) drawing the lubricated stock through one or more pressure dies to decrease the diameter of the stock down to the desired predetermined diameter; (g) buffing the drawn stock with a plurality of buffing wheels, said buffing wheels being applied to the drawn stock at a plurality of angles to the direction of travel of the stock to produce bright wire; and, (h) coiling the resulting bright wire into coils for subsequent use.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thimble of contact fingers from a blank constituted by a tube of material having good conductive properties and good elasticity, the tube including a thin-walled portion provided with longitudinal parallel slots and terminated by a ring of material having good electrical conductivity and that is good at withstanding the effects of electrical arcing, wherein the method comprises the following operations: the said blank is placed around a cylindrical core of diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the blank and of length equal to the length of the blank, the end of the core coming into abutment against the ring; an annular section block is disposed around the blank over the slots, the inside diameter of the block being close to and slightly greater than the outside diameter of the blank and the axial length of the block being substantially equal to the axial length of the slots, the block being made of an elastomer material; and pressure is exerted on the end surfaces of said

Abstract: A coiling point holder for a spring making machine precisely fixes the angular and axial position of the coiling point relative to the holder and allows for the pre-established coiling point positions to be replicated upon reversing or replacing the coiling point. The angular position of the coiling point is fixed by a diametral slot of an insert which is angularly fixed in the holder.

Abstract: Apparatus for pulling metal extruded from an extrusion machine has a pair of carriers mounted on one side and below the surface of a runout table. Each carrier moves on a rail parallel to the table. One carrier in an operative position does not interfere with the other in a retracted position when they pass each other. Production efficiency is improved by using the carriers alternately. With the rails below the level of the table surface, space above the runout table can accommodate apparatus to cool the extruded metal.

Abstract: A needle bending device for bending a needle to any desired length without damaging the lumen of the needle and while maintaining sterile conditions, comprise a plastic casing having an open aperture and elongated chamber. The chamber is maintained sterile and the aperture is provided with a curved crown so that the needle can be bent around the crown. Graduated markings on the outer surface of the casing can be used in conjunction with transparent material for the casing, to see the length of needle within the casing and provide a bend of suitable length. Bends having angles of 90.degree., more than 90.degree. or less than 90.degree. can also be provided by bending the needle to any desired extent around the curved crown.

Abstract: A pulling apparatus including a pulling head is arranged for reception of a slide hammer within a third bore thereof, wherein a first and second bore receives a respective shank and head of an associated fastener bolt, wherein the fastener bolt is directed through a sheet metal panel to be pulled. The second bore may be formed of a hexagonal configuration to complimentarily receive the head therewithin, and wherein the side wall of the pulling head is arranged with wrench flats to permit rotation of the screw head and pulling head in a unitary manner for projection of the screw shank into an associated sheet metal panel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for employing the apparatus in testing underground fluid containing lines for leaks. The apparatus comprises (a) a differential pressure transducer mounted to a reservoir for indicating volumetric change in the reservoir; (b) a temperature transducer mounted in the reservoir for monitoring temperature fluctuation in the reservoir; (c) a gauge pressure transducer mounted in the reservoir; (d) a remote temperature sensor and a data acquisition and processing system. The method for employing the apparatus comprises of connecting the apparatus to the line under test and entering certain parameters of a line under test and product temperature into the test computer. The test system then monitors volumetric change in the reservoir as well as pressure and temperature fluctuations in the line under test at 30 second intervals. At the end of the predetermined test period, the system calculates the leak rate during each five minute interval of the test as well as a cumulative leak rate.

Abstract: A pressure testing device for detecting leaks in shipping vessels such as tank cars, delivery pipes, and tanker trucks. A hand-operated pump provides a source of pressure, with the pump having a hand plunger reciprocating within a pump body with handles at each end. At the end opposite the plunger handle there is a bifurcated fitting with a one-way valve in each of its two branches, with a first branch permitting only pump intake, and the second branch permitting only pump discharge. Both branches are fitted with quick-disconnect couplings which mate with a detachable flexible hose terminating in a test closure or pressure fitting having a shutoff valve and a pressure gauge. In use, the operator attaches the test closure to the vessel or pipe to be tested, attaches the hose to the proper coupling for delivery of the positive or negative pressure differential as desired, and operates the reciprocating hand plunger until the desired pressure differential is indicated on the gauge.

Abstract: A rotary viscosimeter includes a rotor driven to rotate in a liquid, the viscosity of which is to be measured. A first drive shaft or rotor shaft supports the rotor and transmits a rotary driving force to the rotor. A rotary driving apparatus has a motor for driving the rotor with an output shaft for supplying the driving force. A second drive shaft transmits the drive force from the motor to the rotor shaft. A first link elastically links the output shaft of the motor with the second drive shaft to transmit the driving force therebetween. A support includes a pivot and a bearing for rotatably supporting the motor shaft and second link which by-passes the support for linking the rotor shaft with the second shaft. A detector senses the angular displacement between the output shaft and the rotor shaft. A pivot protector has a locking mechanism for locking the rotor shaft from rotating and for disengaging the lock. A pivot separating mechanism separates and engages the pivot and the bearing of the support.

Abstract: A method, using a quartz crystal microbalance, to obtain simultaneous measurement of solid mass accumulation and changes in liquid density-viscosity product. The simultaneous real-time measurements of electrical parameters yields that changes in surface mass can be differentiated from changes in solution properties. Two methods to obtain the admittance/frequency data are employed.

Abstract: A detecting module for an air flow meter for internal combustion engines has an arm provided with a heat wire sensor at one end thereof and with a signal processing unit at the other end, and is provided with a predetermined constant length. A body member assembled with the detecting module is selected from among several varieties of body members produced for engines with different stroke volumes, each of which has an main air path formed by an axial bore having a diameter commensurate with the stroke volume. A bridging member formed across the axial bore which forms the main air path is provided therein with a by-pass path for by-passing a part of the airflow within the main air path and a communicating hollow portion for accommodating the arm.

Abstract: A control device for an internal combustion engine includes a hot-wire type air flow sensor 2 having a temperature dependent resistance. A counter 905d determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed from power ON or startup, and an upper limit is applied to the sensed average air flow quantity until the predetermined time has elapsed, thereby avoiding erroneous fuel injector pulse width calculations during a warmup period of the air flow sensor resistance.

Abstract: An improved wind tunnel six component balance having an outer shell assembly that receives a tubular inner rod and an axial member that is received within the interior of the tubular inner rod. The forward and aft ends of the outer shell assembly are connected to the inner rod. The loads imposed on the forward and aft ends of the outer shell assembly are transferred to the inner rod and into the tunnel support system. The central annular section of the outer shell assembly is connected to the axial adapters (four each and into the central disk of the axial member. The principal areas of the axial element are the central disk member, the flexures (two sets forward and two sets aft), the forward and aft gauged sections, and the forward and aft disk members. Normal force, side force, and rolling moment are carried by the outer forward webs of the outer shell assembly. The axial member will transfer the majority of the axial force then the forward and aft outer shell webs.

Abstract: A heating probe and collection assembly is provided for evaluating free hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon potential of whole core. In one embodiment, the one or more assemblies are used with a core transport system to provide measures of hydrocarbon potential as a function of depth.

Abstract: A borehole apparatus detects the presence of gas within a formation fluid sample. A light source transmits light rays to an interface between the fluid sample and the flow line. The interface reflects the light rays toward a detector array. The detector array detects light rays having angles of incidences extending from less than the Brewster angle to more than the critical angle for gas. A data base stores information concerning the Brewster angle and critical angle of gas for a plurality of gas volume categories. A processor determines the percentage of gas present in the formation fluid sample and categorizes the fluid sample as high as, medium gas, low gas, and no gas based on the signal from the detector array and the information from the data base.

Abstract: A hot-wire mass air flow sensor includes integral, elongated silicon members with a silicon dioxide coating on which temperature sensitive resistors are deposited. The air flow sensor has an extremely low thermal conductivity material base on which is mounted one or more of the elongate silicon members. This structure maximizes the thermal impedance of the conductive path existing at the ends of the flow sensor resistors and minimizes sensor errors. A method for fabricating the air flow sensor is also provided.

Abstract: A mounting structure is provided which is particularly adapted for holding a level sensor in place at an opening on vessels containing pressure above or below the ambient pressure. First and second fitting members are provided which are installed on the vessel at the opening provided thereon. The level sensor is releasably attached to the second fitting member positioned on the exterior of the vessel so it is in communication with the interior of the vessel. The first and second fitting members are mechanically locked together so that the vessel wall is held captive between the fitting members. The mounting structure provides a positive mechanical lock between the vessel and the level sensor ensuring that the level sensor will not be blown out of, or sucked into, the vessel even if the fluid tight seal between the mounting structures fails.

Abstract: An extended resistance temperature sensor formed of a plurality of lengths of pre-insulated resistance temperature detector (RTD) wire. The RTD wire is either unheated, self heated or is heated by means of strands of heater wire integrated with or placed closely adjacent to the RTD wire. The RTD wire itself, or together with the heater wire, is bonded together in one embodiment. Alternatively the RTD wire, or with the heater wire, may be encased in insulated shrink tubing, thin wall metal tubing or both. Connectors are provided to supply electrical current for heating purposes or to connect the RTD wire to detection circuitry, or both. Protective sheaths are provided over the connectors.

Abstract: A force sensing apparatus and method in a vehicle wheel balancer is disclosed which in one embodiment includes use of a voltage controlled oscillator connected to drive a piezoelectric crystal at an oscillation frequency which is compared in phase to a frequency generated by the wheel balancer spin shaft encoder. When unbalance force imposed changes occur in the crystal oscillation frequency, an unbalance output is provided by the comparison which contains the unbalance force magnitude and angular orientation information. The unbalance output is processed to provide operator indications for facilitating application of counterweights to the vehicle wheel.