Abstract: A gas turbine engine annular combustor having a bulkhead at its upstream which is thermally protected by an annular array of heat shields. Each heat shield is provided with integral flanges which space apart the heat shields and bulkhead to define chambers therebetween. Apertures in the bulkhead direct cooling air into the chambers at positions adjacent the outer peripheries of the heat shields. The cooling air flows generally inwards within each chamber before being exhausted therefrom.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine ducted to have the air pass sequentially through a single stage axial-flow compressor, a single-stage hybrid axial-radial centrifugal compressor, a burner, an inward flow radial turbine, an axial-flow, high-pressure turbine, and then exit nozzles. The axial compressor and axial turbine are on a common core shaft. The centrifugal compressor and the radial turbine are on a common porous hub and form an integral, modular unit in which forces on the radial turbine blades drive the centrifugal compressor. The porous common hub permits air to transpire from the compressor to the turbine, serving to cool the turbine. Fuel is burned in annular, "folded-comma" shaped burners with multiple fuel-injection and ignition zones (two-stage combustion).

Abstract: A heat regenerative external combustion engine is disclosed herein. The ene includes fuel inlet means which extends along the exhaust passage and/or combustion chamber in order to preheat the fuel. To provide for preheating by gases in both the combustion chamber and the exhaust passage, the combustion chamber is arranged annularly around the drive shaft and between the cylinders. This configuration also is advantageous in that it reduces the noise of combustion. The engine of the invention is particularly well-suited for use in a torpedo.

Abstract: A supersonic combustion ramjet having a supersonic combustor. The supersonic combustor has a backward-facing step formed in a wall thereof and a forward-facing ramp formed in the wall downstream from the step. Hydrogen fuel is injected into the air flow by axially-directed fuel injectors disposed in the step and/or normally-directed fuel injectors disposed in the ramp. The ramp is inclined toward the center of the combustor so that fuel from the fuel injectors is turned into the main flow. The ensures rapid mixing which enables combustion to be completed within a distance on the order of one foot.

Abstract: A combustion detection method and apparatus for an automotive internal combustion engine exhaust burner having a spark means with spaced electrodes for burner ignition, wherein the voltage drop across the spaced electrodes is compared to a predetermined voltage level, and combustion is assumed to be present if the voltage drop does not exceed the predetermined voltage level for a predetermined number of ignition events, and combustion is assumed to not be present if the voltage drop exceeds the predetermined voltage level for a predetermined number of ignition events.

Abstract: A simple, low cost and reliable total particulate (soot, polynuclear aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons and ash) control system is disclosed that separates the particulate burning process from the body of a particulate filter and that needs very little compressed air to regenerate. The system can retrofit any existing diesel-powered equipment. The particulate control system includes a stationary ceramic monolith trap that is regenerated by one or more pulses of high-pressure and low-velocity air that move in the opposite direction of the engine exhaust flow through the trap. The particulate control system in a single trap embodiment conducts the engine exhaust to the atmosphere during regeneration periods, and in a dual trap embodiment, conducts the engine exhaust through two traps that are operated alternatively such that while one is filtering the exhaust the other is being regenerated, and vice versa.

Abstract: In a master cylinder and booster assembly for a vehicle hydraulic system, the booster has a housing provided with a bore, an inlet connected to a source of hydraulic pressure, and an outlet connected to a booster reservoir, input and boost pistons working in the bore and a boost chamber for pressurization by fluid from the source, under the control of valve means, to actuate the boost piston which in turn actuates the master cylinder. The booster has a permanent connection between the boost chamber and the outlet and a connection between the source and the boost chamber which is closed when the booster is inoperative and open during operation. In order to provide a supply of fluid for a master cylinder reservoir, the booster has a feed passage leading from the bore to the master cylinder reservoir and an overflow passage leading from that reservoir to the outlet.

Abstract: A centerbody cup construction for use in a dry low NOx gas turbine combustor includes a pair of inner and outer generally cylindrical members, the inner member having a diverging cup portion attached to its forward end extending toward the outer cylindrical member, and a coolant manifold arranged between the inner and outer cylindrical members radially adjacent the centerbody cup portion.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the largest recovery of ethylene and propylene from gas produced by the pyrolysis of hydrocarbons, wherein any liquid current produced by the fractional condensation of the raw gas up to a definite temperature is directly fed to an ethane fractionating column (deethanizer) the bottom product of which is the purified current containing almost all propylene, while any current condensed at lower temperature is fed to a methane separating column (demethanator) provided with a reboiler in which the partial condensation of the overhead vapor of the deethanizer occurs, and the bottom product of the demethanator contains all ethylene.

Abstract: An automatic ice making machine of the type which includes an ice making unit provided therein with an electric control apparatus for an ice making mechanism contained therein and combined with an ice storage bin to store therein an amount of ice cubes or chips formed by operation of the ice making mechanism under control of the electric control apparatus, wherein an ice detection element is previously contained within the ice making unit to be inserted into the interior of the ice storage bin after installation of the ice making unit on the ice storage bin for deactivating the electric control apparatus when detected the ice cubes fully stored in the ice storage bin, wherein a connector for connection to a source of electricity is connected to the electric control apparatus by means of conductive wires and arranged within the ice making unit to disconnect the electric control apparatus from the source of electricity when the ice detection element is remained in the ice making unit and to connect the electric

Abstract: The compressor activation control unit a rotation detecting means for detecting whether or not the motor is normally activated when the compressor is activated, a judging means for judging that the compressor interior is filled with a liquid refrigerant when the motor is not judged to be in the normal activating condition by the rotation detecting means, and a control means for step-driving the motor at a very slow-speed no more then one rotation per second through the driving circuit when the motor interior is judged to have been filled with the liquid refrigerant by the judging means.

Abstract: An evaporative heat pump apparatus which utilizes a computer and a pulse width modulation control system, solenoid valves and multiple evaporators to alter heat input capabilities by increments in order to maintain a constant rate of heat output regardless of changes in ambient conditions such as temperature, humidity, wind velocity and other factors is described.

Abstract: An environmental control system disclosed includes a refrigeration loop including a variable speed compressor having an inlet and an outlet, a condenser, an evaporator and variable speed evaporator fan for moving air across the evaporator, a compressor speed control, a superheat monitor for monitoring the condition at the inlet of the compressor and a primary superheat control responsive to the superheat monitor for establishing the speed of the evaporator fan to maintain a predetermined superheat condition.

Abstract: A high reliability cooling system for avionics provides a low-weight tertiary backup. A first source of cooling airflow (20) is directed through a first duct (28) to a first compartment (30, 32). A second source of cooling airflow (58) is directed through a second duct (68) to a second compartment (70, 74, 76, 78). A check valve (104) is located in the first duct (28) and permits airflow from said first source (20) to said first compartment (30, 32) and prevents a back-flow of air therethrough. An interconnecting duct (84) is provided between the first and second ducts (28, 68). The interconnecting duct (84) connects to the first duct (28) at a location between the check valve (104) and the first compartment (30). A shutoff valve (86) is located in the interconnecting duct (84) and is operable to open or close airflow therethrough. The invention provides three modes of operation. First, with the shutoff valve (86) closed, there are two separated avionic cooling systems.

Abstract: A room air conditioner for mounting in a window opening having a vertically sliding lower sash. The enclosure for the unit has front and rear portions separated by the vertical plane of the window opening, the compressor and condenser heat exchanger being mounted in the rear portion, and the evaporator heat exchanger being mounted in the front portion. A motor that is connected to an axial flow fan at one end and a coaxial centrifugal blower wheel at the other end is also located in the rear portion. The axial flow fan is operatively associated with the condenser heat exchanger and the centrifugal blower wheel is operatively associated with the evaporator heat exchanger. The forward enclosure portion and the evaporator heat exchanger extend above the bottom of the bottom rail of the lower sash, and the rear housing portion and the condenser heat exchanger extend above the bottom rail of the lower sash and substantially below the level of the window sill.

Abstract: A silencer attenuating a noise from a noise source to be ventilated of this invention comprises a machine compartment with a one-dimensional duct configuration whose sectional dimension is sufficiently small in comparison with the wavelength of the noise to be attenuated, a compressor and/or other machinery disposed within the machine compartment, an opening for dissipation of heat as disposed in a wall of the machine compartment and opening in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of advance of sound within the machine compartment, a vibration pickup for detecting the vibration of the machinery corresponding to the output noise of the machinery, and a control circuit for processing output signals from the vibration pickup to drive a sound generator such as a speaker. The sound generator outputs a controlling signal dependent on the machine noise to cancel the noise about to emerge from the machine compartment.

Abstract: An automatic ice maker includes an ice tray supplied with water, which water is made into ice. After the water in the ice tray is made into ice, the ice tray is inverted so that ice cubes are removed from the ice tray. During the ice making stage, a vibrator vibrates the ice tray so that the ice making at the water surface side in the ice tray is retarded, which causes air bubbles contained in the water in the ice tray to escape therefrom, thereby providing transparent ice cubes.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a vegetable storage drawer. A gas-absorbing member is disposed over the drawer for absorbing noxious gas emitted by vegetables. The gas-absorbing member is formed of zeolite, and an ultraviolet lamp is provided for periodically illuminating the gas-absorbing member to regenerate the latter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a scroll type compressor having an injection mechanism in which a part of the refrigerant flowing from the condenser is combined with the refrigerant in the intermediately located fluid pockets of the scroll elements in order to increase the amount of heat radiation from the refrigerant in the condenser without increasing the capacity of the compressor and in order to prevent operation of the compressor at a thermally severe condition. The injection mechanism includes a horseshoe-shaped groove formed between a circular end plate of a fixed scroll and an end portion of a casing adjacent to the circular end plate, a pair of axial conduits formed through the end plate of the fixed scroll and an axial hole formed through the end portion of the casing. The refrigerant is conducted to the intermediately located fluid pockets of the scroll elements via the axial hole, the groove and the axial conduits which are connected in series for fluid communication.

Abstract: A hinged insert ring which comprises two precisely crafted ring bodies which are joined together at the bottom of their shanks, which each have two protrusions, with pins thereby creating an operable hinge. The ring bodies are each made of any base metal (e.g. gold, silver, platinum, brass, copper, etc.), and can be formed into any aestetically pleasing design or shape. The hinged double ring can open or close to provide entirely different looks. When the the two precisely crafted ring bodies are in an "open position", a third, independent ring body, with a different design or having a stone or other piece of jewelry attached at its top, can be inserted therebetween and enclosed within the first two ring bodies when they are place in the "closed" position by way of the hinge means. In the closed position, on the other hand, the two precisely crafted ring bodies form a completed ring. This new and unobvious design allows for the wearer to own a single ring yet have an entire line of different looking pieces.

Abstract: In a combination of a finger ring and a size adjustment insert, the finger ring and the insert are provided with complementary interengaging portions that permit the insert to be twist received in frictional engagement adjacent the back side of the head of the ring. The insert is formed from a resilient plastic material and includes a male protrusion which is adapted to be twist-received into a complementary female opening formed in the back side of the decorative head of the finger ring.

Abstract: A method of knitting in pleats according to the present invention comprises the steps of: knitting a succession of surf ace knitted sections, fold-back knitted sections, and overlap knitted sections with the use of arrays of knitting needles mounted on at least a pair of front and rear needle beds, one or both of which are arranged movable leftward and rightward; removing the fold-back knitted sections from the corresponding needles after fastening of thread ends; displacing the surface knitted section and/or the overlap knitted section close to the needles, from which the fold-back knitted sections are removed, so that they are located next to each other; loading a succession of the surface, overlap, and surface knitted sections onto the array of needles on one of the two needle beds; after moving the other needle bed in a direction opposite to the fold-back direction of the bold-back section, loading the overlap or surface knitted section onto the knitting needles of the other needle bed; after moving the o

Abstract: A combination of a washing machine and a sink has a basin-shaped lid member connected to the opening portion formed above the rotary basket, by means of a link mechanism. The link mechanism is composed of, for example, an arm, a first shaft connecting one end of the arm to the lid member, and a second shaft connecting the other end of the arm to a groove provided at the opening portion and being slidable in the groove. Therefore, the lid member can be turned over without coming into contact with the rotary basket or the clothes therein, in order to use the lid member as a sink.

Abstract: A controller is associated with the detergent dispenser of a washing machine, such as a clothes washing machine or a combined clothes washing and drying machine. The controller selectively controls the addition of various detergents and rinsing aids into the machine's tub. The corresponding control position is signalled by a plurality of micro-switches (17, 18, 19, 20) that are actuated by a rotating compartment selector (15) of the dispenser. The selector selectively establishes communication between the cold or hot water supply and each one of the compartments of said dispenser. The micro-switches (17, 18, 19, 20) can be switched on or off, along with a corresponding operational component part (42, 43, 44, 45) of the machine, by the rotating compartment selector means (15).

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively individually or combinatively effecting a number of operations on a web of material has a multiplicity of units disposed around a counterroller or drum providing a surface against which the web can be pressed, one of these units being a squeegee roller unit pressing the web to a selected residual moisture content, another unit being a metering applicator unit and the apparatus having a trough through which the web is guided and at least one roller at least partially immersed in the trough.

Abstract: A simple bicycle lock structure which comprises an outer cylinder and a shackle; one end of the outer cylinder is mounted with a locking assembly, while the other end thereof is mounted with an outer-cylinder-positioning assembly, in which a movable sleeve has a through hole, being perpendicular to a pin hole; the through hole is in communication with a round hole on the outer cylinder. The shackle has a rotary section which is perpendicular to the shackle body; the rotary section includes a circular groove and a symmetrical groove; after the rotary section is inserted in the movable sleeve, a fixing pin will be engaged with the rotary section in a pivotal manner. Other end of the shackle has a locking section with a locking groove and a bevel facet. As soon as the locking section is inserted into a round hole on the outer cylinder, the locking section will be engaged with the locking assembly to become locked up.

Abstract: A multi-function automobile steering lock having a similar structure as a conventional steering lock comprising a rod member to extend in a telescopic manner in a body tubular member to adjust its length to engage two opposite hooks with two opposite portions of a steering wheel of an automobile and to lock the rod member immovable, the rod member provided with a hollow lengthwise cavity for storing a driver half-hidden in the cavity and half-hidden in the body tubular member, the rod member also provided with a square projection extending from its outer end to fit with an impact socket having a deep square hole and two different sized 6 point holes at both ends to be used as a socket wrench.

Abstract: A bending brake including a horizontal lower clamp jaw, a bending beam mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal relative to the lower clamp jaw, and an upper jaw carrier mounted for vertical movement into and out of work clamping engagement with the lower jaw. The upper jaw carrier has a plurality of clamp jaws mounted at angularly spaced locations on the carrier and carrier position control mechanism is provided for turning and locking the upper jaw carrier to selectively position different upper clamp jaws in an operational position relative to the lower clamp jaw.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for straightening a coupling shaft comprising a tubular member having a midship tube shaft affixed at one end thereof, with the midship tube shaft mounted in a center shaft support bearing assembly. The coupling shaft is rotatably supported at the end opposite the midship tube shaft and at the center shaft support bearing which rotatably supports the midship tube shaft of the coupling shaft. The coupling shaft is rotated relative to an indicator for measuring radial misalignment thereof, and the radial misalignment is measured at one or more locations along the midship tube shaft. A force is applied to the coupling shaft to permanently deflect the same and thereby reduce any observed radial misalignment.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the axial strength of a metal container includes reforming the lower sidewall portion of a container which has a stripper bulge integrally formed therein as a result of conventional stripping operations by rotating the container, moving a bearing element axially toward the closed end of the container to engage the stripper bulge and continue moving the bearing element axially for a predetermined distance along a linear path disposed at an acute angle in relation to the central axis of the container to thereby deflect the stripper bulge and the lower sidewall portion of the container radially inwardly and substantially reduce the stripper bulge.

Abstract: Bending preshaped sheet metal pieces that have a web and side flanges, by stretching on one side, and compressing on the other side, by utilizing opposed rollers. They can be, and are, selectively bent into cylinder shapes or cone shapes. The bending steps produce folds in the extended edges of the flanges, of circular cross sectional shape, and in one form, are of large dimensions on one side and of small dimensions on the other side, and adjacent pieces are interconnected by placing the large fold of one piece over and encompassing the small fold of the other piece, to form lids of great area.

Abstract: An apparatus for bending and forming sheet metal into U-shaped channel members is comprised of a support block for supporting a blank of sheet metal in a centered position, a pair of rollers that engage in rolling contact against opposite ends of the sheet metal, and an anvil around which the sheet metal blank is formed into the U-shaped channel member. The sheet metal blank is formed over opposite sides of the anvil by the rollers engaging in rolling contact against the opposite ends of the sheet metal blank. As the rollers roll over the opposite ends of the sheet metal blank, they bend and form the sheet metal ends into channel bends having acute interior angles. When the rollers are removed from the sheet metal ends, the resiliency of the sheet metal causes the channel bends to spring back from their acute angle configurations to right angle configurations.

Abstract: The apparatus for the counterbalancing and vertical bending of the work rolls of a four-high rolling mill stand (1) comprises respectively two dual-acting hydraulic adjusting cylinders (13) installed in the bottom work roll chocks (4) symmetrically to the roll axis plane (12--12). The adjusting piston (14) of the adjusting cylinders (13) serves for moving the piston rod (15) out of the bottom chock (4) and for moving the free end of the piston rod (15) into the top work roll chock (15) during rolling operation, and for moving the piston rod (15) into the bottom chock (4) for the separate dismounting of the work rolls (6, 7). During rolling operation, the extended piston rod (15) is connected, by means of a coupling device (16), with a shaft (22) supported in articulated fashion in the top chock (5).

Abstract: An apparatus for the simulative optimalization of the supporting of a sheet metal blank on the support frame of a deep-drawing tool includes a plurality of stands that are freely translatable and rotatable about a vertical axis on a horizontally aligned base plate. The stands are capable of being fixed on the base plate in any desired position in respect of translation and rotation. Each stand carries a mouth-like clamp which by means of appropriate lockable mountings can be turned and fastened about two horizontal pivot axes at right angels to one another, and which by means of a fastenable vertical guide can be adjusted and fastened in this vertical position on the stand. Each clamp contains on its bottom face a support part-surface by means of which a partial region of a support surface for the sheet blank can be simulated, and on its top face contains a clamp jaw translatable transversely thereto.

Abstract: A press having a drawing apparatus has a sheet metal part that is drawn in the drawing stage. This sheet metal part is to be taken over by a transfer device in a stage of the upward movement of the drawing apparatus that is as early as possible in order to utilize the long time period of the upward movement of the slide for the transfer movement. After the drawing, passing through the lower dead center of the slide movement and the drawing apparatus movement, the sheet metal holder is temporarily stopped in a removal position and is therefore temporarily prevented from continuing to move upward.

Abstract: Crimping apparatus includes a pair of coaxial rings, at least one of which is axially moveable toward and away from the other ring. Each ring is provided with a single pair of force reactive adjoining steep and shallow concave frustoconical surfaces which face each other. A plurality of circumjacent, radially arranged crimping members are positioned intermediate the rings. Each crimping member has two pairs of steep and shallow force reactive convex frustoconical surfaces that slidably engage with the concave force reactive surfaces of the rings to radially move the crimping members to and from the ring axis between an open position and a crimping position. The radial movement of the crimping members is in response to axial movement of at least one of the rings. The crimping apparatus also includes means for maintaining the crimping members in alignment while they are moved between the open and crimping positions.

Abstract: A method of forming undulate protrusions on a split ring with the ring placed in a die to first form a center protrusion and then to form the other protrusions located between the first formed protrusion and the ring ends.

Abstract: Force transmitting coupling (44) for transmitting force from an actuator (16) which oscillates along an arcuate path to a ram block (12) which reciprocates along a rectilinear path comprises a flexible member (50) coupling which is connected to the actuator (16) by a lost motion connection (90, 94) and which is against the ram block (12). The flexible member (50) is supported intermediate its ends in a manner such that it can flex by a predetermined amount but not more than the predetermined amount. When the ram block (12) is pushed from a retracted position to a forward position, the flexible member is placed in compression and flexes by only the predetermined amount. The force transmitted to the ram block is applied to the axis of the ram block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a straightening device for a car body comprising a straightening table and therein sill fasteners or the like, from which the vehicle can be fixed to the straightening table. The straightening table can be lifted by means of a lifting device into a desired repair position. The joint between the straightening unit and the straightening table is realized by leading a beam connected to the straightening unit inside the beam of the straightening table. The equipment comprises in connection with the straightening unit such a beam structure that at least the second beam section can be moved relative to the first beam section, whereby said sections comprise a surface diagonal relative to the center axis of the beam structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of operation for a self-testable accelerometer having a housing, a diaphragm for detecting movement in response to an applied force, a mass on the diaphragm, at least one capacitive plate attached to the housing and disposed such that a potential difference between the capacitive plate and the mass causes a movement of the mass, electrodes for applying a potential difference between the mass and the capacitive plate, and at least one piezoresistive element attached to the housing and the diaphragm for sensing movement of the mass. The accelerometer's housing comprises a frame, a base and a cap with air gaps providing squeeze film damping and mechanical stops for inhibiting movements of the mass. The combination of the capability to electrostatically produce a movement of the mass and the piezoresistive sensing of that movement allows testing and calibration of the accelerometer at any stage in its manufacture or deployment without the need for external equipment such as shakers.

Abstract: A process variable transmitter which has a manual adjustment for span and zero or the like. The adjustment has a finer adjustment range where the output changes responsive to changes in the position of the adjustment. The adjustment has a coarse range where the transmitter output changes automatically as a function of time to provide coarser adjustment. An operator can move the back and forth between the adjustment ranges until a desired output value is observed. When adjustment is complete, the operator can manually select the desired transmitter output value and then a selection circuit stores the setting in non-volatile memory. After a setting is stored, the transmitter output is not sensitive to movement of the manual adjustment, but is instead controlled by the stored setting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a moisture meter tester for granular or powdered products including a cell for the product to be analyzed and a means of indirect measurement of the moisture connected to a unit for processing the measurements, the cell being adapted to be filled with and successively emptied of the product. The moisture meter of the invention is notable in that a hygrometric sensor is arranged so as to be capable of being in contact with the air surrounding the product to be analyzed, and that the sensor is connected to the measurement processing unit in order to make corrections to the values for the apparent moisture measured by the indirect measurement means. The invention also relates to a method using such a moisture tester.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the viscoelastic properties of thin liquid films. A liquid film is placed between and adjacent to two plates, and one of the two plates is oscillated in a normal direction. Computer analysis of the force of the oscillations and the displacement of the oscillations reveals rheometric properties of the liquid.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring, on an automated and batch basis, the fouling potential of larger particulate-containing feed water is disclosed.

Abstract: An atomic probe microscope comprises a cantilever which includes a lever section provided with a probe, a lever attaching section for supporting the lever section, and a positioning striking section formed at the lever attaching section. A cantilever unit comprises a seat for supporting the cantilever and provided with a face against which the positioning striking section is received.

Abstract: This invention is a dual mode atomic force microscope which has significant advantages for small samples. The major point of novelty of this device is the provision for mounting samples onto the deflection mechanism, thereby allowing the tip to be separately mounted. The invention therefore allows for increased flexibility in the design of the tip, which can improve the performance of the microscope. The main configuration and several tip designs and variations of the deflection mechanism and the sample holder are described. Also, methods for using a microscope of this type are presented. The invention primarily consists of an AFM where the sample is mounted on the cantilever arm, and the tip is mounted separately, not on the cantilever arm. The cantilever arm and sample are scanned relative to the sample either by moving the sample or by moving the tip.

Abstract: A flow converter for an air flow rate meter, especially for an intake conduit of an internal combustion engine, includes a plastic flow rectifier for converting an aspirated air mass into a laminar air flow moving in a given flow direction. The flow rectifier includes a honeycomb body and a ring integral with the honeycomb body. The honeycomb body has a surface disposed at right angles to the given flow direction and the ring protrudes out of the surface. A grid is permanently secured to the flow rectifier for generating microscopic eddies in the laminar air flow. A method for producing a flow converter for an air flow rate meter includes integrally injection molding a thermoplastic flow rectifier for converting an aspirated air mass into a laminar air flow moving in a given flow direction. The flow rectifier includes a honeycomb body having a surface disposed at right angles to the given flow direction and a ring protruding out of the surface.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for multi-stage tests of material samples, including but not limited to rock and shale samples, the methods, in one aspect, including the steps of placing a load on the sample, while under a constant confining pressure the sample mounted in a triaxial test apparatus; measuring and recording sample pore pressure continuously during the test; removing the load on the sample; changing confining pressure on the sample; permitting the sample's pore pressure to equilibrate at a new pore pressure with the new confining pressure; permitting the sample to drain fluid to an equilibrium value and placing a new load on the sample measuring and recording resulting pressure and load. In one embodiment these steps are repeated a plurality of times and a plurality of pore pressure, confining pressure, and load readings are obtained.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for performing pressiometric tests are disclosed, wherein an expansible or inflatable sensor is introduced into a borehole, liquid is supplied to saturate the surrounding ground, and a ground characteristic is measured by monitoring changes in the pressure and volume of the sensor. Thereby, the tendency of the ground to heave is measured.

Abstract: A disconnectable flow connector is formed of (a) a frusto-conical taper pin having a longitudinal bore through which the end portion of a flow tube of a mass flow sensor is inserted and secured and (b) a connector base containing a matched frusto-conical taper bore. The taper pin can be press-fit into the taper bore to form a fluid flow passage having a leakage level less than about 10.sup.-9 scc/sec helium.