Abstract: A turbofan engine includes two oppositely rotating fan rotors which are arranged upstream of the core engine, and has a booster with two contra-rotating coaxial rotors. The radially exterior booster rotor is arranged between the rearward fan rotor and the low-pressure turbine in a torque-transmitting manner. The gearless construction permits an almost uniform loading of the low-pressure shafts.

Abstract: An endothermic hydrocarbon fuel system to avoid thermally induced coking on the catalytic surfaces of an heat exchanger used as a reactor to dehydrogenate the fuel so that it provides a heat sink for the heat exchanger for cooling parts of high speed aircraft. The invention provides a means to feed an acceptable concentration of hydrogen to the reactor feed stock, wherein the feed stock is a portion of the endothermic hydrocarbon fuel that is catalytically dehydrogenated to provide a heat sink. The preferred embodiment uses Methylcyclohexane as a fuel and provides a return loop to recycle a fraction of the reaction products to provide the hydrogen to the reactor feedstock.

Abstract: A thermoelectric semiconductor element is disclosed which is particularly low in toxicity and inexpensive. The element is mainly composed of a complex oxide comprising strontium and titanium. An oxide semiconductor possessing oxygen deficiency is used as the n-type element. According to the invention, as compared with a thermoelectric semiconductor element for thermoelectric cooling using a conventional Bi-Te thermoelectric semiconductor which is particularly toxic due to addition of Se or the like, the toxicity of the n-type semiconductor element part is lowered, and a thermoelectric semiconductor element excellent in performance is obtained.

Abstract: A pulse tube refrigerating system includes a first space, a second space, a pulse tube disposed between the first and the second spaces so as to constitute a closed operating space in which an amount of operating fluid is filled, a driving device for establishing opposite phase fluctuations of the operating fluid by an expansion and an compression of the first space and the second space in alternative manner, a first set of a radiator and an accumulator disposed in the pulse tube so as to be located at a side of the first space, a second set of a radiator and an accumulator disposed in the pulse tube so as to be located at a side of the second space, a phase control oscillator disposed in the pulse tube and set to be be vibrated with a phase relative to the fluctuation of the operating fluid, and a control device for controlling the phase of the phase control oscillator relative to the fluctuation of the operating fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process producing large quantities of liquid product via the cryogenic distillation of air wherein at least a portion of the refrigeration needs of the process is provided by expansion of the feed air. In particular, the present invention is an improved method to meet the liquid nitrogen requirements of the process and comprises elevating the discharge pressure of the nitrogen recycle compressor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the heat exchanger system in a process for the cryogenic distillation of air. In particular, the present invention is an improvement to the heat exchanger system to increase the operational efficiency of the process.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of C.sub.2 components (ethylene and/or ethane) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a gas stream containing a significant quantity of components more volatile than methane (e.g., hydrogen, nitrogen, and/or others) is disclosed. The cooled, partially condensed hydrocarbon bearing gas stream is separated into a vapor containing substantial quantities of the component(s) more volatile than methane and a liquid containing predominantly hydrocarbons. The vapor is expanded to the distillation column pressure and then supplied to the column at an upper mid-column feed position. The liquid is expanded to column pressure and supplied to the column at a lower mid-column feed position. A recycle stream is withdrawn from the column at a point below the upper mid-column feed position where the bulk of the volatile components are supplied to the column.

Abstract: Rotary vacuum evaporation of a primary refrigerant cools a secondary refrigerant mixed with it. The secondary refrigerant does not change state and meanders through a low pressure cooling circuit for refrigeration applications. The primary refrigerant changes state and remains in a short and secure circuit. Evaporation is produced at a surface around the axis of rotation and within the mixture by opposed centrifugal and centripetal forces acting through a narrow afferent mesial passage between rotating disks mounted on a hollow shaft. Vapor is stripped from the surface, scrubbed by cyclonic flow through the afferent mesial passage, and condensed by a centrifugal compressor, which is a centrifugal pump having its inlet communicating with the bore of the hollow shaft and the afferent mesial passage. Latent heat is drawn off by water, making this a water heater, and the water is produced by de-humidification. The primary refrigerant and the secondary refrigerant are cheap and environmentally harmless, e.g.

Abstract: The sensor assembly includes a sensor tube in communication with the inner tank. A flush line extending from the liquid cryogen fill line is connected to the sensor tube at a three-way valve. The three way valve also connects the sensor tube to a pressure transducer. During normal operation, the sensor tube is in communication with the pressure transducer such that the level of liquid in the dewar can be monitored. When the liquid level falls below a predetermined level, the pressure transducer activates the three-way valve to connect the sensor tube to the flush line and opens a solenoid located in the fill line. As the cryogen liquid enters the fill line, a portion of it is diverted through the flush line, is vaporized and is passed through the sensor tube. The relatively warm gas flow in the sensor tube prevents the formation of ice and eliminates the problems associated therewith.

Abstract: During the heating cycle of an air conditioning system, a portion of the compressed refrigerant is conducted between outdoor and indoor heat exchangers for heating a dwelling, and another portion of the compressed refrigerant is conducted to an auxiliary condenser. Heat from the auxiliary condenser is directed against the outdoor heat exchanger to defrost the latter.

Abstract: An air conditioning system including a refrigerant circulation route, a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator and a pressure sensor for detecting pressure in the circulation route comprises a refrigerant phase detecter provided on the circulation route between the condenser and the evaporator where the refrigerant should be in a liquid phase for detecting whether the refrigerant is in a liquid phase or in a vapor phase and a control for determining whether the compressor is in a locked state in accordance with the signals from the refrigerant phase detecter and the pressure sensor. The air conditioning system can precisely determine and detect both compressor lock up and refrigerant leakage without providing a rotation detecting sensor for the compressor.

Abstract: An individual air conditioning system with an absorption chiller heater having a controllable capacity, with thermal input to a burner of a high temperature regenerator being controlled by on-off control or the like even if the load is low. The temperature of cooling water is controlled in accordance with a concentration of refrigerant in an absorber, so that the refrigerating capacity of the absorption chiller heater can be freely varied from 0% to 100% without the refrigerant being frozen.

Abstract: A method of operating a refrigeration system having a compressor driven by an engine, with the refrigeration system being operable in a first control mode to hold the temperature of a conditioned space at a selected set point temperature, and in a second control mode to maintain the engine in a ready-to-start condition. The second control mode includes monitoring the ambient temperature, and determining a dynamic set point temperature as a function of ambient temperature. The engine is started and stopped to maintain engine startability, and also as a function of the dynamic set point temperature, to maintain the temperature of the conditioned space at the dynamic set point temperature while maintaining the engine in a ready-to-start condition. Control is changed from the second to the first control mode, when a programmed start feature is activated, with the time of such mode change being a function of the difference between the ambient temperature and the selected set point temperature.

Abstract: A climate control system for an electric vehicle includes a programmed microcomputer for controlling the pre-conditioning of the vehicle prior to usage as well as heating, ventilating and air conditioning of the vehicle under normal operating conditions. The microcomputer responds to a plurality of vehicle operator inputs and sensor inputs and provides outputs to control the speed of the compressor, condenser fan and blower fan, and the position of a temperature blend door and a Fresh Air/Recirculating Air door to optimize the use of electrical energy.

Abstract: A refrigerant tube piercing tool capable of being removably and sealingly mounted on a refrigerant tube of copper or the like in a sealed refrigerant system to enable the recovery of refrigerant from the sealed system without discharge into the atmosphere. The tool includes a pair of clamp members one of which includes a sealing member and passageway combined with a threaded, pointed piercing member that is manually threaded into engagement with the tube for forming a hole therein and a fitting having a Schrader valve incorporated therein to which a hose leading to a recovery tank can be connected to enable refrigerant to be transferred into the recovery tank for subsequent use. The tool is reusable and can be removed after the refrigerant has been transferred into the recovery tank in order that the leak or other problem with respect to the refrigerant system can be repaired at which time the hole formed in the tube is closed by soldering or the like with the refrigerant system then being recharged.

Abstract: A heat pump system (10, 210) includes a power section (11, 211) having a generator (15, 215) for converting a first working fluid from a liquid to a relatively high pressure gas, a power unit (25, 222) providing energy by the conversion of the relatively high pressure gas to relatively low pressure gas to power a drive piston (27, 228') for intermittently delivering a power stroke, a power section condenser (51, 251) converting the first working fluid from relatively low pressure gas to the liquid, a compressor section (12, 212) intermittently driven by the drive piston, the compressor section having a compressor (75, 275) converting relatively low pressure gas second working fluid to relatively high pressure gas second working fluid for circulating the second working fluid through a compressor section condenser (108, 308) and a compressor section evaporator (115, 315) to effect heating and cooling operations.

Abstract: A container-cooler for a beverage, such as beer, includes a conventional keg-shaped outer shell, an inner vessel for containing the beverage retained within the shell, and a space between the inner vessel and the outer shell for receiving a cooling medium, such as ice.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for freezing drops of liquid reagent solution in a cryogenic liquid. In one embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention comprises means for dispensing uniform, precisely measured drops of a liquid reagent and a rotatable carousel positioned below the dispensing means. The upper surface of the carousel has a plurality of trays each containing a cryogenic liquid, typically liquid nitrogen, for receiving the drops of liquid reagent. An alternative embodiment of the present invention comprises a tank comprising a cryogenic liquid for receiving the drops of liquid reagent. The tank has a heat source for slightly heating a portion of the cryogenic liquid such that a convection current in the cryogenic liquid is created. The convection currents in the cryogenic liquid provide mild agitation of the liquid and prevent aggregation of the frozen drops.

Abstract: The condenser apparatus is enclosed in a container. The container is adapted to be located in a rear engine automobile behind the rear sear adjacent to the firewall. Within the container is a condenser coil and a motor for rotating a blower. The condenser coil is adapted to be coupled to the automobile air conditioner coolant system by refrigerant inlet and outlet conduits. The motor is adapted to be electrically connected to the automobile air conditioning system. The motor and blower provides a source of continuous air flow to cool the condenser coil, reducing the likelihood of overheating the air conditioning system. An air intake extension may be coupled with the container to allow air from a car vent to flow into the container.

Abstract: A set of appliances for bathing beach which consists of an ice box, a rear box cover, a rest plate, two armrests, a sunshade and a mat, wherein the ice box has a box body similar to that for fishing, of which the improvement includes the following: a wide and deep groove on the front side of box body to install a rest plate as the head or back rest, two armrests on the front two sides of box body are adjustable up and down, a container with a movable cover on the inner side at the bottom of box body contains a sunshade, a sunshade holder on the left rear upper side is designed to insert the sunshade therein and the angle of said holder is adjustable, and a support on the back of box body is designed to support the rear box cover which is in a bevel state so as to let the user lie down thereon; the rear box cover is a shallow U-cover body of which the lower inner side is provided with an automatic rolling (winding) device similar to that of car window curtain or shop rolling door, the cover body is pivotally f

Abstract: A functional ring having the particular characteristic of comprising, in various forms of decorative elements indicative of cardinal orientation or temperature, as well as differently formed lens elements in order to confer a true and proper utility to an object. Specifically, a ring is disclosed including a solid transparent sphere for magnification of objects seen therethrough.

Abstract: A circular knitting machine has a needle cylinder (7) and a dial (25) which define a comb distance (x). One of these two needle carriers and a respective cam (9, 27) are displaceably supported in a frame of the circular knitting machine. To prevent unwanted changes in the comb distance during temperature fluctuations, a compensating structural component part (30) is provided which is coupled with the displaceable needle carrier, usually the dial and the cam assigned to the latter and constructed and arranged in such a way that the unwanted changes in the comb distance are compensated for automatically by correspondingly dimensioned thermal expansion or upsetting of the compensating structural component part.

Abstract: A circular knitting machine for manufacturing hosiery comprises a lower needle cylinder (1) having a cam section arrangement (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) and a verticle trick (2) grooved on the needle cylinder (1) near the arrangement (5, 6, 7, 8, 9). The cam section arrangement (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) defines a plurality of channels (13, 14, 15, 16). A sinker arrangement (3, 4) is disposed in the verticle trick (2) for verticle movement and has guiding butts (41, 42) alternately engageable with the channels (13, 14, 15, 16). The guiding butts (41, 42) are movable in the channels (13, 14, 15, 16) in a knitting direction (S) and a reverse knitting direction (S'). A plurality of needles (4') are engaged with the sinker arrangement (3, 4). Stitch cams (10, 11) are mounted to the cam section arrangement (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) for engaging the needle (4') when the needles (4') are moved in the knitting direction (S).

Abstract: In the process for the fully-fashioned knitting of intarsia jacquard fabric on a two-bed flat knitting machine, intarsia yarns floating on the back of the fully-fashioned fabric are avoided even in intarsia regions of changing width by effecting a yarn-guide adjustment at points of change of direction of the intarsia regions, and the resulting floating intarsia yarns are subsequently bound into the fabric.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device on a knitting machine equipped with slider needles for controlling the laying in of a thread (28) into the open needle hooks (5.2). In order to avoid that the thread is not laid into the hooks correctly or that a thread which has already been laid into the hook, jumps out of the hook (5.2) during the closing movement of the slider parts (6) on account of vibrations or the like, the slider parts (6) of the slider needles are provided with inclined faces (6.5) which project when the hooks (5.2) are closed into the thread spaces (32) formed by these hooks and the needle and slider parts (5,6). In this way the thread portions between the thread guide (29) and the slider needles are pressed deeply into the thread spaces (32) during the closing movement of the slider parts (6), so that the thread sections laid into the following slider needles with hooks still open come securely into the respective thread spaces (32) or are retained therein FIG. 3).

Abstract: A wire-type pulp washing machine includes an endless moving foraminous wire which extends about a breast roll defining an on-running end and a couch roll defining an off-running end with a generally horizontal upper run of the wire extending between the rolls with showers providing a counter-current washer. The endless wire forms a wire return run having a horizontal wire section beneath the upper run. Pulp which has been washed on the upper counter-current washer may be removed and subjected to a chemical action, such as a bleaching action, and then reapplied to a horizontal return run section of the wire by a headbox to form a pulp mat on the inside surface of the wire. This pulp mat is subject to further countercurrent washing by the application of wash water to an upper surface of the mat and by draining of the wash water through the wire by suction boxes. This wash water may advantageously be applied as the wash water to the last stage of the counter-current washer along the upper run.

Abstract: A cloth amount detecting device in a washing machine including a process controller for controlling a process of washing, rinsing and spin-drying cloths put into the washing machine is designed to detect the amount of the cloths. If the user of the washing machine changes the level of water within the washing machine to a different water level after the amount of cloths has been detected, a reference value used to determine the amount of cloths is updated by learning in dependence on the water level so changed by the user and the number of waveforms of a drive motor, to thereby accomplish a determination faithful to the amount of cloths.

Abstract: A washing machine having an outer, stationary, liquid impervious container, having a plurality of adjacent, peripheral walls, preferably in the form of an octagon. An inner drum has perforate walls, is preferably in the form of a hexagon and is mounted within the outer container for rotation about a horizontal axis. The inner drum is driven in rotation, causing variations in the adjacent liquid volume between each drum wall and the outer container as the drum walls pass through the liquid. Because the wall is contoured to have a distance from the axis of rotation which varies as a function of peripheral, angular position to form a plurality of relatively protruding, liquid pushing perforate lobes, the movement of these lobes through the washing liquid causes an inflow of washing liquid into the drum through the leading perforate surface of each lobe and out of the drum through each trailing perforate surface.

Abstract: A security device is provided for use on pegboard type hooks. The device includes a housing with a lock mechanism which releasably locks with the tines of a latch to securely grip the rod of the pegboard hook. A simple key-operated camming cylinder is manually operated to release the latch so that merchandise products carried on hook can be removed. The latch can be inserted into the housing and relocked on the hook without using the key.

Abstract: A padlock protector to protect a padlock with its shackle through the staple of a hasp, comprising a three dimensional housing to receive the padlock therein, a closure member having an imperforate and integrally joined sealing structure around its periphery to prevent moisture from entering the housing from around the peripheral edge when the closure member is in its closed position, apertures to receive either a vertically or horizontally extending staple of a hasp or other lockable loop member through a wall of either the closure member or the housing to enter the cavity of the housing for the shackle of the padlock to lock, such staple receiving apertures having closure flaps, such closure flaps being integrally joined to the wall through which such apertures extend by an integral flexible hinge along a portion of the peripheral edge of such closure flaps and by an integral break-away web of thin cross-section along the remaining portion of such peripheral edge of the closure flaps.

Abstract: An improved refrigerator door-locking device is provided for locking a refrigerator door to a refrigerator body which may preferably be manufactured substantially of molded plastic parts. The locking device has an elongated first mountable casing which has an elongated opening, and a plunger member which has a projecting rod end and slotted outer rod end slidably fits within the opening. A bayonet connector is located at the projecting rod end of the plunger and a spring biases the plunger toward the projecting rod end. A bayonet receiver is located in a second mountable casing and interacts with the projecting rod end bayonet connector. The locking device provides a visual indication of when it is locked or unlocked.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for vehicles having a steering wheel mounted on a steering column and having a hub, a plurality of spokes, and a rim, for securing onto the steering wheel of the vehicle to interfere with or prevent steering the vehicle. The device includes a jacket adapted to be mounted over the hub of the steering wheel; and a locking bar that interfits with the jacket to surround the steering column and secure the device on the steering wheel with the shaft on the locking bar extending between two spokes. The jacket and the locking bar are secured with a lock on the end of the locking bar shaft that extends between two spokes. The locking bar includes an arm that extends beyond the periphery of the steering wheel when the device is secured on the steering wheel to interfere with or prevent turning the steering wheel.

Abstract: A bend correction apparatus for bending a workpiece subject to springback, the apparatus having a pressure die for holding a workpiece, a radius die for providing a radius form about which the workpiece is bent, and a clamping die for engaging and bending the workpiece relative to the pressure die and about a portion of the radius die. A microprocessor moves the clamping die between a bend angle position in which the workpiece is bent about the radius die to a predetermined angle relative to the clamping die and a relieved position in which the clamping die is not bending the workpiece. A sensor, movable conjointly with the radius die, engages the workpiece in a springback position upon rotation of the radius die toward the workpiece and sends a signal to the microprocessor upon contact with the workpiece.

Abstract: The shut height of a crimping die set (9) for crimping an electrical terminal (T) on an anvil (22) to a lead (L) is adjustable stepwise by means of a disc (60) which can be driven by a servo motor (M1) to a plurality of angular positions each setting a theoretical ideal shut height for a particular combination of lead and terminal sizes. Since anvil wear, in particular, and/or minor variations in lead and terminal dimensions can falsify the ideal crimp height set, the actual crimp height achieved, is measured electronically or mechanically, and the height of the anvil (22) is automatically adjusted in accordance with such measurement, by means of a further servo motor (M2) to adjust the shut height of the die set (9) and anvil (22), so that the ideal shut height is achieved.

Abstract: In a hydraulic method and installation for shaping can bodies the can body is filled with a liquid and placed in a die and pressure is applied to the interior of said can body until it assumes the shape of said die.

Abstract: Multipurpose device for rolls of sections which are advantageously round bars in rolls for reinforced concrete, the device comprising a rotary turret winder (25) able to bear rolls (17) of sections produced with a hot cold process and including a rotary support (11) having its axis of rotation (12) substantially vertical and supporting along a circumference at least two roll-holder reels (13) with their axes of rotation substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (12) of the rotary support (11), each roll-holder reel (13) cooperating with a specific upright (20), at least one straightening assembly (21) being comprised in cooperation with each single upright (20) of each single reel (13) and being positioned substantially on the same axis as the axis of use of the machine downstream.

Abstract: A trip controller for a wafer processing system provides for adjustable hysteresis and autocalibration. Adjustable hysteresis implements different trip points for upward pressure changes and downward pressure changes in the wafer processing chamber. Autocalibration is implemented using a digital potentiometer with on-chip storage. The trip controller provides more reliable operation than conventional single trip-point indicators. Yet, the inventive trip controller is readily inserted as a replacement in systems formerly using conventional trip controllers. Further advantages include a single-rail power supply and flexibility to adapt to different systems requiring trip controllers.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the opening pressure of a relief valve has a clamp removably secured to the bonnet of a relief valve. The clamp has four upstanding bolts slidably held in T-shaped slots. The bolts mount the base plate of a frame which carries a lifting cylinder and transducer. The cylinder connects to the relief valve stem and applies a lifting force thereto. The transducer measures the amount of force needed to open the valve. The frame is removable from the clamp which provides access to the relief valve adjustment nut. Adjustments in the relief valve opening pressure can be made without requiring removal of the clamp. A calibration adaptor fits on the frame to allow testing of the transducer in situ.

Abstract: A misfire detecting apparatus for an internal combustion engine which detects the occurrence of misfire in the engine on the basis of a rotation signal outputted in accordance with the rotation of the engine at every predetermined rotational angle a crank shaft of said engine. The apparatus successively calculates a time taken for revolution of the engine by a predetermined crank angle on the basis of the rotation signals outputted from the rotational angle sensor and then sets first and second decision values on the basis of the calculated times in connection with two cylinders of the engine which successively take explosion strokes. The second decision value is set at 360 degrees in the engine rotational angle previous to the setting of the first decision value. The apparatus detects the occurrence of misfire on the basis of the first and second decision values. This arrangement can accurately detect the occurrence of misfire irrespective of the difference in average speed between the respective cylinders.

Abstract: A system for the inspection of a well borehole and the formation around the borehole. The system includes a pair of concentric reeled tubings for injecting a pair of fluids into a wellbore through a wellhead, one of said fluids being an optically transparent or acoustically homogenous fluid which forms a slug of said fluid around an optical sensor which transmits signals indicative of well conditions to the surface. The other of said fluids is used to perform functions with respect to said sensor such as cooling said sensor or protect it from a corrosive environment. In addition, a fiberoptic cable construction in combination with the reel tubing is also disclosed.

Abstract: Gas influx into a wellbore, which is commonly referred to as a "kick", is detected during active drilling of the borehole. In a preferred embodiment of the invention a determination of mud pump noise round trip transit time T by evaluating a function T=(n-.PHI./2.pi.)f where .PHI. is the phase between standpipe and annulus signals and f is the frequency of a drill fluid oscillation caused by a mud pump and n is an integer which is incremented or decremented until the rate of change of T with respect to frequency is zero. An alarm signal is generated when the rate of change of T with respect to time exceeds a predetermined threshold. In another embodiment of the invention a determination of the Doppler frequency shift of a mud pump signal expressed as a ratio signal, .DELTA.f/f.sub.0 where .DELTA.f is the change in frequency measured at the annulus from the frequency f.sub.0 of the mud pump signal measured at the standpipe.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for determining certain parameters necessary for fracture treatment design. The method and analysis of the present invention provide for calculation of the product of the fluid-loss coefficient and the fracture half length or the square of fracture radius. The test disclosed in this invention does not generally require the assumption of a fracture geometry and does not require the assumption of a fracture height. The information gained from performing this test may be used to properly design fracture treatments for any given well. In addition, the method of the present invention may be used in conjunction with the methods currently known in the art to provide more information than any of the methods individually.

Abstract: To measure flow rates, the cross-sectional shape of the flow path is changed by inserting a multiple position gate into the flow path and altering the position of the gate to maintain the head of liquid constant with a reduced flow cross section. To maintain the head at a desirable range, the depth is measured and controls the position of the gate as a feedback signal. The position of the multiple position gate is correlated with the depth to provide an indication of flow rate. For this purpose, a flow path housing is clamped to a pipe and a multiple position gate is moved by pneumatic pressure into the flow stream to change the flow cross section. The depth of the head upstream of the gate is measured and the position of the gate is measured. Flow rate is determined from these two measurements. Sampling may be performed at an increased depth caused by the gate.

Abstract: A positive displacement flowmeter is provided having a body structure defining a flowmeter measurement chamber within which is rotatably supported a large primary gear rotor and a small secondary gear rotor that have rotor teeth intermeshing with one another and also establishing a limited dynamic flow path with respect to internal wall surface segments of the flowmeter measurement chamber. The flowmeter body defines inlet and outlet passages defining a common center-line that is off-center with respect to the flowmeter chamber and which is located between the axis of rotation of the primary rotor and the limited dynamic flow path that is defined within the housing. The essence of this flowmeter construction rests with the rugged, machined gear pair rotating against a limited dynamic seal path coupled with introducing the fluid stream at an off-center position in relation to the flowmeter body and rotor system.

Abstract: A three wire potentiometric liquid level sensor for measuring liquid levels in a container is disclosed. The sensor includes a conductive strip, a float, a contact means attached to the float, a resistive strip, and a conductive rod buried beneath an insulator. A second embodiment of the invention includes a first conductive strip, a second conductive strip, a float, a contact means attached to the float, and an insulating rod. The sensor produces a resistance directly proportional to the liquid level in the container.

Abstract: The lifting capacity of a human subject is assessed through dynamic testing protocols utilizing a cylindrical robot that tracks the path of the lift and provides load position information to a data analysis system. The movable linkage of the cylindrical robot moves in a very low friction manner and is designed to be extremely lightweight, while having remarkable strength and rigidity to withstand bending moments and torsional effects. Thus, the apparatus permits three-dimensional lift testing of actual loads, including actual job loads, with the test subject experiencing the true feel and inertial effects of the load. Static force transducers and related means are provided to permit isometric testing.

Abstract: A forging die and a forging die manufacturing method for extruding helical gears wherein the lead end face of each die tooth is made up of harmonious S-shaped curves with each curve having maximized-radii contours. The shape of the S-shaped curves is formed by dividing the cylindrical surface at the lead end face and the full depth perimeter into an equal number of equally spaced points, connecting these points up into pairs so as to establish the shortest distance between the pairs of points and using these pairs as the end points for the S-shaped curves.

Abstract: A rotation rate sensor has a multi-layer structure, with an oscillatory body (13) formed in one carrier layer (10). The body can be stimulated to oscillate in a first oscillation direction (1). On top of this body (13), a further structural element (21), which is deflectable normal to the major surface of the carrier (10) and which serves to detect Coriolis acceleration, is located. There is a device for capacitive or piezo-resistive measurement of the deflection of the structural element. Preferably, the entire structure is fabricated from a silicon wafer, so that the measurement device can be integrated onto the sensor element.

Abstract: An acceleration overload protection mechanism for use with a sensor unit. The sensor unit is generally defined by a sensor element or elements (i.e., proof mass, flexures, etc.) that are movable in relation to a sensor frame. The overload protection mechanism includes at least one arresting plate. The arresting plate includes a plate frame and an arresting element that are elastically coupled to one another to permit relative movement therebetween. The plate frame of the overload protection mechanism is placed in fixed alignment with the sensor frame to place the arresting element in spaced relation with the sensor element of the sensor unit. The arresting element and sensor element may move relative to one another to allow the arresting element to move to a position proximate the sensor element to limit the range of motion of the sensor element when the sensor unit is subject to an acceleration overload.

Abstract: A multicomponent acceleration sensor in which the inertial force of a seismic mass effects a variation in an electromagnetic quantity of a plurality of individual transducers. During acceleration, the seismic mass acts in each individual transducer a magnetoelastic measuring layer, the permeability .mu..sub.r of which influences the inductance of a sensor coil. For each spacial direction in which the acceleration is to be determined, a pair of transducers is mounted on a base member coaxially to, and axially spaced from, each other in such a way that an acceleration of the acceleration sensor perpendicular to the axial direction of the sensor coils of the two individual transducers causes an equidirectional variation in inductances of the sensor coils of the two individual transducers, and a signal representing the acceleration status is obtained in at least one evaluation electronics form the inductances of the sensor coils.