Abstract: A device for determining deterioration of a catalytic converter for an engine equipped with a catalytic converter disposed in the exhaust passage and upstream and downstream air-fuel ratio sensors disposed in the exhaust passage upstream and downstream of the catalytic converter, respectively, wherein the device calculates the area surrounded by the output response curve of the downstream air-fuel ratio sensor and a predetermined reference value line, the device determining whether or not the catalyst is deteriorated in accordance with the area calculated when the output of downstream air-fuel ratio sensor stays on a rich side or lean side air-fuel ratio for more than a predetermined time during feedback control of air-fuel ratio by the output of upstream air-fuel ratio sensor.

Abstract: A counterforce cylinder and piston exert an upward force on the vertically movable slide of a machine. The cylinder pressure line handles reverse flows during operations of the slide. A pilot-operated checkvalve (normally closed) is inserted in the cylinder line between a pressure source and the counterforce cylinder, and is held open during usual operation of the machine. An accumulator is branch-connected to the cylinder line, at a point between the checkvalve and counterforce cylinder. During machine operations, the accumulator stores pressurized fluid; at shutdown of power, the fast-acting checkvalve closes and reliably seals the cylinder line while the accumulator provides pressure to maintain the counterforce cylinder and slide in a substantially constant holding position for several days.

Abstract: A spindle is mounted to a frame for rotation about the spindle axis. A core yarn package of elastic core yarn is held stationary on the spindle. Elastic core yarn is withdrawn from the core yarn package in a direction substantially along the spindle longitudinal axis. A nonelastic covering yarn is drawn from a supply package, through the spindle and along a confined yarn guide passageway from the spindle guide passageway outwardly, upwardly and inwardly around and in spaced relation to the core yarn package for confining and guiding the covering yarn, and then into wrapping engagement with the withdrawn core yarn to form a corespun yarn.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow rate control apparatus for a hydraulic pump which is employed suitably in a hydraulic excavator or a hydraulic crane and driven by a rotating force of a motor. The flow rate control apparatus controls the discharging flow rate of the hydraulic pump to utilize the output power of the motor without an overload applied to the motor, and optimally controls the output flow rate of the pump depending upon an operation signal to provide an excellent operating characteristic to an operator under a high load operating condition applied to a hydraulic machine having hydraulic actuators driven on the basis of the discharge flow of the hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A compressed gas buoyancy generator powered by temperature differences in a fluid medium having a thermal gradient which includes a body having an inflatable chamber connected thereto for rendering the body buoyant at a surface of the fluid medium and a mechanism for inflating the inflatable chamber with a gas, the inflating mechanism including a mechanism for inflating the inflatable chamber with the gas by obtaining energy from the thermal gradient within the fluid medium. The inflating mechanism includes a mechanism for absorbing heat at a surface portion of the fluid medium and for converting the absorbed heat at a predetermined depth of the fluid medium into a mechanical work for inflating the inflatable chamber when the body is at the surface of the fluid medium.

Abstract: A device for connecting two tubes end-to-end. At least one of the tubes is movable longitudinally to be connected to the other tube. A screwthreaded nut joins the two tubes. The first tube has at its end an outside screwthread of diameter d1 and pitch p1. The second tube has at its end an inside screwthread of diameter d2 greater than d1 and pitch p2 different than that p1 of the first tube. One of the screwthreads is continuous and the other is discontinuous by virtue of longitudinal lands subtending an angle at the center of the tube equal to that of the screwthreaded longitudinal lands. The nut 3 has an inside first screwthread compatible with that of the first tube and an outside second screwthread compatible with that of the second tube. The device further includes a system for immobilizing the tubes against rotation and a system for rotating the nut.

Abstract: Past fuel injection nozzles have attempted to provide a structure to reduce exhaust emissions, generally NOx. Such nozzles have failed to attain adequate reduction of exhaust emissions. The present fuel injector structure has resulted in reduced NOx emissions. The structure includes a housing having a central axis and a bore coaxial therewith. An enlarged diameter portion of the housing has a plurality of swirler vanes positioned therein. A frustoconical blending portion is connected between the enlarged diameter portion and the bore. The structure further includes an angled passages intersecting with the bore and being tangent thereto. The unique structure swirls the air and fuel as they meet and mix within the bore. The angular velocity of the air and fuel are additive and provide the fuel injector nozzle with a structure that results in reduced NOx emissions.

Abstract: Electronic chips are cooled to an efficient operating temperature by engaging their exposed planar surfaces with a heat sink assembly. The heat sink assembly is a part of the cold end heat sink of a thermoacoustic heat pump that utilizes either traveling wave or standing wave heat pumping to transport heat from the cold end heat exchanger to the warm end heat exchanger, utilizing a coaxial pulse tube refrigerator to pump or transport the heat from the electronic chips and the cold end heat exchanger.

Abstract: A single column lower pressure cryogenic rectification system wherein nitrogen top vapor is condensed against column bottoms, elevated in pressure, and vaporized against elevated pressure fluid to achieve simultaneously high purity and high pressure nitrogen gas product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining whether a fluid, such as a refrigerant, is a liquid or a gas. To determine whether the fluid at a predetermined level (14) of a storage container (20) is a liquid or a gas, fluid is withdrawn from the container at the predetermined level, depressurized under conditions that would cause it to become a gas if it is a liquid before such depressurization, then the temperature of the fluid after depressurization is measured and compared to a reference temperature that is or is related to the temperature of the fluid in the container. If the temperature of the fluid after depressurization and the reference temperature are approximately equal, one can conclude that the fluid withdrawn from the predetermined level is a gas. If the temperature of the fluid after depressurization is considerably lower than the reference temperature, one can conclude that the fluid withdrawn from the predetermined level is a liquid.

Abstract: A semiconductor deposition system with thermal trap characterized by a processing chamber, a source of process gas coupled to an inlet of the processing chamber, a thermal trap coupled to an outlet of the processing chamber, and a pump mechanism operative to pump a gas from the process chamber and into the thermal trap. The thermal trap preferably includes an enclosure defining a trap chamber, where an inlet to the trap chamber is coupled to the outlet of the processing chamber, a condensable-solid collection surface located within the trap chamber, a mechanism for maintaining the temperature of the collection surface at or below the temperature at which a gas flowing into the chamber condenses into a solid form, and a mechanism for maintaining the temperature of an inner surface of the enclosure at a temperature above which the gas condenses into a solid form.

Abstract: Refrigerant is recovered using a single pump unit, regardless of the refrigerant's phase. This is achieved by sensing the phase of the refrigerant and changing the pump's operation accordingly. The refrigerant phase can be sensed by a temperature-responsive element, such as a thermistor, or by other phase-sensing technology. In a preferred embodiment, the pump unit is a vane pump whose rotational speed is changed in response to the refrigerant's phase. If liquid refrigerant is sensed,, the pump operates at a lower speed. If gas refrigerant is sensed, the pump operates at a higher speed. The two speeds are chosen so that the pump will draw an EPA-specified vacuum on the refrigerant present. In other vane-pump embodiments, the pump's operation is changed by changing rotational speed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of a refrigeration unit in a manner which eliminates the need for circuit breakers and fuses in control circuits which are instrumental in selecting and changing the operational mode of the refrigeration unit. When a need to change to a different operating mode is detected, a controller energizes a control device associated with the different operating mode and quickly determines if the current draw is within an acceptable range. If the current draw is within an acceptable range or window, the controller initiates the requested different operating mode. If the current draw is not within the acceptable range, the controller generates an appropriate alarm and different courses of action are decided upon which depend upon whether the current draw is above or below the limits of the acceptable range, the nature of the requested operating mode, and the desired temperature of a space conditioned by the refrigeration unit.

Abstract: The microprocessor-based control system selects the appropriate indoor airflow (fan speed) to place the system in an optimal efficiency range. The indoor fan speed is further controlled based on humidity measurements, to produce a slower airflow when conditions are humid. This helps remove a greater amount of moisture from the air. Occupant comfort is enhanced by microprocessor control of the indoor fan speed to stay within the boundaries of the cooling mode comfort envelope.

Abstract: The microprocessor-based control system optimizes efficiency of the ON/OFF cycle by shutting the expansion valve fully closed at the beginning of each OFF cycle to maintain system pressure differential. At the beginning of each ON cycle the expansion valve is opened to an initial larger than average of three openings to allow the system to quickly reach steady state operating levels. Thereafter, the valve opening is reduced to an average of the last three steady state settings. After a predetermined time, control of the valve opening is passed to an adaptive control algorithm which adjusts the valve setting for optimized performance during steady state.

Abstract: A sprayer seated on at least a portion of the upper periphery of a vegetable crisper and periodically supplied with pressurized fluid for emitting through at least one orifice a spray over the vegetables held within the crisper for maintaining the freshness thereof. The sprayer preferably is an elongated ribbon-like member having a plurality of orifices and which cooperatively forms at least a partial seal between the upper peripheral edge of the crisper and a removable top.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the recovery, separation and recycling of refrigerant from a number of refrigerant chiller systems having individual low efficiency purgers. The apparatus has a high efficiency purger which reduces refrigerant contaminants in the non-condensable gases vented to atmosphere by 90 percent over that of the low efficiency purgers, and operates without interference with the normal purging cycles of the chillers. The apparatus further comprises conduits, valves and a pump which enables the apparatus to completely evacuate the refrigerant gas and refrigerant liquid from the chiller systems.

Abstract: A rotary absorption heat pump assembly. The assembly comprises a generator (2), condenser (3), evaporator (4), absorbent cooler (5), and absorber (1), all operatively associated to function as components of an absorption-type heat pump of high efficiency and superior operating characteristics. The heat pump is characterized by the presence of a tapered cylindrical absorber (1) which receives and processes, in the form of a very thin peripheral film ("d"), a predetermined amount of absorbent solution. The absorber (1) is arranged in abutting end-to-end relationship to the generator (2), with which it communicates. The condenser (3) and evaporator (4) are arranged end-to-end outside of the absorber (1) and absorbent cooler (5), concentrically therewith and radially spaced therefrom.

Abstract: A drain system for adapting the drain/extraction plumbing of a front-loading washing machine which includes an agitator drum mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal axis, means for driving the drum in rotation about the axis during the various cycles of the machine, and a drain pipe extending downward from the agitator drum and disposed to convey a water/suds mixture vacated from the agitator drum away from the drum. The system includes a conduit into which the water/suds mixture is conveyed from the drain pipe. The conduit is oriented generally horizontally with a first end of the conduit intersecting, and being in fluid communication with, the distal end of the drain pipe. The water/suds mixture, as it is channeled through the conduit, separates into a water component and a suds component floating on the water component. The system includes a water scavenger line and a suds duct, both of which diverge and extend from the second end of the conduit.

Abstract: A padlock having a body, a U-shaped keeper at one end of the body, and a key receptor at the opposite end of the body, the body containing a row of pieces to be engaged by key teeth comprising an indicator device on the body; the device having a location on the body relative to the pieces to indicate the left or right directional orientation of key teeth insertion into the reception, to effect opening of the padlock keeper.

Abstract: A padlock protector which prevents the shackles of the padlock from being cut by bolt cutters. In its simplest form, the protector is a U-shaped device which contains access openings for the padlock shackles on the bottom and having front and back sections which cover the vertical shafts of the shackles while still allowing room for the padlock to fit through the opening of the device to be secured. In a more elaborate alternatively preferred form, the protector, in addition to the above, contains a front section which extends from the top of the padlock to the bottom of the padlock, a lower section which provides access to the keyhole and protection to the keyhole, and a tough flexible strap connecting the lower section of the protector to a padlock shackle.

Abstract: A spare tire locking device is described including an upstanding arm which extends upwardly and outwardly from a frame member on a boat trailer or the like. A flat based plate is secured to the upper end of the arm and has a pair of threaded studs extending therefrom in a horizontal fashion. An arcuate bracket is spaced from the threaded studs and extends outwardly from the base plate and has an opening formed therein adapted to receive the shackle of a padlock. The spare tire is mounted on the base plate by extending the threaded studs through lug holes in the wheel of the spare tire. When the spare tire is so positioned, the bracket extends through the hub hole in the wheel closely adjacent the wheel. When the shackle of a padlock is extended through the bracket, the spare tire cannot be removed from the base plate even though the nuts on the threaded studs are removed.

Abstract: A hollow workpiece having a tubular end portion is deformed by first fitting the workpiece into a die formed with a cavity adapted to receive the workpiece with the end portion of the workpiece projecting along an axis out of the die and then engaging over the projecting end portion of the workpiece a feed sleeve in a pressure-tight fit. The sleeve and workpiece are supported relative to each other such that the holding portion can slide in the sleeve and that the sleeve exerts substantially no axial force on the workpiece. Then an interior of the workpiece is pressurized through the sleeve and to deform the workpiece outward against an inner surface of the die.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method for forming a one-piece band clamp. The band clamp is made by severing band material to a proper width, forming the band material to a desired length, removing a portion of the band to form a void in one end of the band material, inserting a deformation device into the void, and deforming the band material adjacent to the void to form a slot in the band material sufficiently wide to allow insertion of the band body.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for bending channel-shaped panels includes a crimping assembly having a stationary bottom die, movable top die and a drive that moves the top die past the bottom die to form a continuous crease in both the bottom and side walls to bend the panel to a selected angle. A pair of the crimping assemblies side by side form a double bend for pitched roof panels. Each crimping assembly has a guide for the top die which includes end members with slots defining cam surfaces at the ends of the bottom die and lever members with cam pins pivotally mounted to the ends of each top die. Hydraulic cylinders engage the lever members to move the cam pins against the cam surfaces to perform a straight line movement of the top die past the bottom die to perform a transverse continuous crease in the base wall and side walls of the panel and the ends of the panel are turned about the crease for performing a bend of a selected angle in the panel.

Abstract: Aluminum automobile wheels are straightened by exerting gentle pressure on the wheel to urge the wheel back to its original shape. If the metal does not move under pressure, the wheel is heated, and pressure again exerted, the process continuing until the wheel becomes round. A C-shaped wheel mount carries a spindle which mounts a hub. The hub rigidly receives the wheel, and the hub is selectively rotatable, and the wheel mount is selectively rotatable about a horizontal axis. The wheel is gently brought back to shape without excess heat or excess working to damage the metal. A final metal spinning step relieves stresses in the metal and brings the wheel to final tolerances.

Abstract: An article (40), such as a piece of manufacturing tooling, is modified prior to use by treating a portion of its surface (38) to be worn so that the treated surface worn more than a preselected amount has a different appearance than the treated surface worn less than the preselected amount, using a treatment process in which the treated surface is at least as wear resistant as the untreated surface. In one approach, the surface (38) is treated by implanting ions to a preselected depth. The ions are chosen so that the substrate has a different color at depths less than the preselected depth than does the substrate at depths greater than the preselected depth. After wear, the treated surface is visually inspected for color variations that indicate wear to more than the preselected depth. The surface treatment can also be accomplished by ion implanting or ion beam mixing a previously deposited surface coating.

Abstract: An automated unsupervised apparatus for conducting a blood alcohol content level test on an individual user, and subsequently discerning and displaying a meaningful test result, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an alphanumeric display for instructing the individual user to blow into the apparatus so as to provide a breath sample. A pressure switch is used to monitor the gauge pressure of the individual user's breath sample in order to determine whether the gauge pressure is at or above a threshold value for a predetermined length of time, typically three seconds. The alphanumeric display instructs the individual user to wait and blow again in the event that the gauge pressure does not remain at or above the threshold value for the predetermined length of time. A testing sample of the individual user's breath sample is captured in a fuel cell type alcohol concentration sensor.

Abstract: A method of testing for leaks in a closed fluid filled system and a system tested by such method are provided, the method comprising the steps of disposing the system in a chamber, disposing a fluid in the chamber under a pressure so that if a leak path of a certain size or larger exists in the system such fluid of the chamber will be forced through the leak path to change the fluid condition in the closed volume of the system, removing the system from the chamber after a certain period of time, then subjecting the system to a certain pressure and temperature condition so that an expandable part of the system will be in an adverse expanded position beyond its normal position for that certain pressure and temperature if the leak path of at least a certain size existed, and then detecting the adverse expanded position of the part of the system.

Abstract: A method of detecting a leak in a liquid storage tank utilizes a mass test in which a sample mass of liquid is removed from the storage tank and weighed. After a period of time, another sample mass of liquid, taken at exactly the same location as the first, is removed from the storage tank, and then weighed and compared to the first sample mass to determine whether there is a leak in the storage tank.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for investigating dynamic rheological properties of a viscoelastic medium involves oscillating at least one shear wave generation surface in a container containing the viscoelastic medium such that shear waves generated thereby impinge on two spaced shear wave receiving surfaces, the receiving surfaces being spaced by different distances from the source of shear waves impinging thereon. Transducers are provided for the shear wave receiving surfaces capable of generating output signals dependent on the variations in physical parameters of heating the wave receiving surfaces induced by the oscillating shear wave generation surfaces.

Abstract: A conveyor-belt moisture control sensor apparatus (10) includes a sensor device (12) having an electrically-insulative block (30) with two adjacent electrodes (32, 34) extending therefrom to contact a top surface (22) of a return portion (24) of a conveyor belt (26). Two wires (36, 38) are mounted on the electrically-insulative block and connected to connection ends of the electrodes at encapsulated points in the electrically-insulative block. A hinge mechanism (40) mounts the electrically-insulative block to a conveyor-belt support frame (44) for allowing the electrically-insulative block to rotate, thereby bringing the electrodes into contact with the conveyor belt. A drip guard (98) extends from the electrically-insulative block above the electrodes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of determining the performance loss of a catalyzer by using a deterioration variable indicative of this performance loss. The catalyzer is affected by operating conditions and is mounted in the exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine having a lambda controller operated to provide a two-level response. The method includes the steps of: obtaining a measurement signal from a lambda probe mounted forward of the catalyzer and a test signal from a lambda probe mounted rearward of the catalyzer; forming a relationship between the measurement and the test signals; measuring values of operating variables which affect oxygen storage processes in the catalyzer; and, correcting the deterioration variable based on the values of the operating variables thereby reducing the influence of the operating conditions on the deterioration variable.

Abstract: A return system for a throttle of an internal combustion engine has a first return device in the form of a spring for returning the throttle to a first return position and a second return device in the form of a motor for returning the throttle to a second return position beyond the first return position. A position sensor determines the first and second return positions and a fault is indicated if the second return position is not beyond the first return position.

Abstract: A well testing method and apparatus for reservoir characterization during a drilling operation by making use of conventional drilling facilities. The tests can be performed at various degrees of wellbore penetration in the formation. If the test is conducted as soon as the top of the formation is penetrated by the bit, the effects of formation damage (skin) may be minimized or even eliminated. The proposed technique is particularly suitable for formations displaying weak pore structure, tight formation, and/or relatively low reservoir pressure. The method consists of two major steps; a drawdown test with a variable rate, and a build up test. A computer simulator is necessary and also useful for pressure transient analysis for determination of reservoir pressure and transmissibility. From the data recorded from a single well test utilizing this method and apparatus, fluid mobility and formation thickness can be calculated.

Abstract: A meter boundary box comprises an outer casing which is upstanding from a base, the outer casing containing a tubular housing with a lid thereon, the lid engaging the housing so that rotation of the lid effects rotation of the housing but arranged so that the lid can be lifted away from the housing, the housing containing a meter which is threadably engaged in a valve member, the valve member itself threadably engaging a manifold which incorporates the inlet and outlet conduits, the arrangement being such that by rotation of the lid, firstly the valve member can be closed and secondly the meter can be unscrewed from the valve member for easy removal.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the flow rate of an intake air flowing through an air passage which communicates with an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The apparatus includes a heat-generating resistor element disposed in the air passage for detecting the flow rate of the intake air in the air passage, and at least one protective member disposed on upstream and/or downstream side(s) of the heat-generating resistor element as viewed in an air flow direction in which the intake air flows through the air passage, so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the air flow direction. The protective member(s) is/are formed of a water-absorptive porous material, and have a plurality of holes formed through the thickness thereof in the air flow direction.

Abstract: A volume sensing system includes electronic circuitry which is electrically connected to an ultrasonic transducer. The transducer is affixed by means of an adaptor to the base of a container having a known configuration. The container holds a liquid and a gas so that a liquid-gas boundary is formed within the container. The transducer generates ultrasonic pulses which propagate through the liquid, are reflected at the liquid-gas boundary, and are received again by the transducer. The received return pulse is converted into an electrical signal which is analyzed by the electronic circuitry to determine the level of the liquid within the container. The level of the liquid within the container is then employed to determine the volume of the liquid within the container in accordance with the configuration of the container. In a preferred embodiment, the adaptor includes an indicator which may be used to identify the configuration of the container.

Abstract: A moveable body, cladding medium, and fiber are arranged to form a sensor suitable for use in monitoring changes in liquid, fluid, and material level and changes in pressure. The moveable body moves in response to changes in pressure or force. Movement of the body causes a change in the length of cladding medium surrounding an optical fiber. As the extent of cladded fiber length changes, the intensity of light transmitted through the fiber also changes.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an oil-filled depth gauge which is made far less sensitive to violent shock and the potential resulting inaccuracies to the maximum depth gauge indicator from such shock. More specifically, the present invention comprises an improved oil-filled scuba diving depth gauge in which the improvement provides a fluid dam member which may be affixed to or molded into the transparent enclosure covering the dial face to effectively block the flow of the oil in the region of the gauge occupied by the maximum depth indicator dial. The fluid dam reduces the likelihood that a sudden jar or other violent shock will induce a relative differential in the motion between the oil and the gauge body which might otherwise produce inaccuracies in the position of the maximum depth indicator dial.

Abstract: In a sensor (10) for determining the angular velocity (.OMEGA.), an ultrasonic wave is radiated into a sound conductor (11) by means of a piezoceramic shear oscillator (12) as transmitter, two receivers (14, 15) being located adjacent to one another at the other end of the sound conductor (11) so as to be separated from one another by a narrow gap (16). If no angular velocity (.OMEGA.) acts on the sensor (10), the ultrasonic wave directed to the gap (16) should excite the two receivers equally, so that the differential signal of the two receivers (14, 15)--supported by an alignment--is equal to zero. If the sensor (10) is located in a rotating system, the ultrasonic ray is deflected by means of the acting Coriolis force (K.sub.c), so that a differential signal of the two receivers (14, 15) is obtained, which differential signal is a measurement for the angular velocity (.OMEGA.). The sensor (10) has a simple, mechanically stable construction with low sensitivity to shaking and temperature.

Abstract: An accelerometer has a capacitor detect plate defined on an electrically insulating substrate adjacent a capacitor source plate connector and has circuit paths on the substrate connected to the detect plate and source plate connector. A resilient metal plate has an attachment portion secured to the source plate connector, has a capacitor source plate portion, has integral first beam elements extending away from the attachment portion and has a second beam element extending from the first beam elements back toward the attachment portion to dispose the capacitor source plate in spaced relation to the detect plate to form a capacitor having selected initial capacitance. The capacitor source plate member portion is movable relative to the detect plate to modify device capacitance in response to acceleration. Electronic components are mounted on the substrate connected to the circuit paths to provide an output signal corresponding to the acceleration.

Abstract: A method of an apparatus for ultrasonic inspection of multi-layered structures having acoustic transmission (I, III, V and VII) and reflection (II, IV, VI and VIII) frequency bands. Variations in one or more parameters of specific layers are largely restricted to specific frequency bands of said layers. By analyzing transmitted or reflected signals with respect to the frequency bands of the structure, interpretation of signals due to parameter variations as caused by voids, inclusions or delaminations can be effectively eliminated. The method is preferably used for the inspection of laminated structures consisting of metal layers bonded by fibre reinforced resin layers.

Abstract: The remote inspection of seam welds in reactor vessels is improved through the utilization of a pulser network which is inductively isolated from the transducer circuit to which it applies an excitation signal. Through the utilization of a step-up transformer, the pulser network may perform in conjunction with linear d.c. power supplies of lower voltage rating. The inductive coupling between circuits also serves to provide for the positive communication off of switching devices such as SCRs employed for excitation signal triggering. To avoid ground path induced noise, a different ground path is employed for the pulser network as for the transducer circuit. The transducer circuit ground path is that associated with a manipulator and, for example, a reactor vessel itself. Thus, the transducers employed may come in contact with the surface of the vessel being inspected. In similar fashion, an inductive coupling is provided between the transducer circuit and a pre-amplfying receiver circuit.

Abstract: An inspection head for continuous acoustic energy inspection of coiled tubing consisting of a generally cylindrical test head for receiving the tubing longitudinally therethrough while being sealed on each end to maintain fluid couplant circulation. A cylindrical test array is disposed within the head to receive the tubing while directing a plurality of radially aligned compressional wave acoustic sensors and single in-line, angularly oriented shear wave acoustic sensors. Analysis of the various signal returns enables derivation of ovality, inside wall pitting, outside wall pitting, wall thickness, and transverse and/or longitudinal flaws.

Abstract: A resistive strain gauge pressure sensor including upper and lower housings coacting to define a pressure chamber within the housing A board member is clamped between the housings and defines a diaphragm portion which extends across the pressure chamber to divide the pressure chamber into upper and lower chamber portions. All of the circuitry of the sensor is screen printed onto the lower planar face of the board member including the various resistor elements of the strain gauge assembly, the various elements of the conditioning circuit receiving the output of the strain gauge assembly, and the various further leads required to connect the circuitry elements to the terminals of the sensor. The sensor terminals are provided by a plurality of connector pins extending downwardly through the board member for connection at their respective lower ends to the circuitry provided on the lower face of the board member.

Abstract: A pressure transducer employing at least one piezoresistive sensor fabricated from diamond. The diamond piezoresistive sensors are formed on a dielectric layer fabricated from silicon dioxide. The dielectric layer is formed on a silicon carbide force collector. In addition, the silicon carbide force collector may be fabricated from .alpha.-silicon carbide or p-type silicon carbide.

Abstract: A pressure sensor in which a magnetostriction effect of an amorphous magnetic alloy is utilized. It is an object of the invention to suppress the thermal sensitivity change of the pressure sensor and to improve the lineality and the hysteresis of sensor output. The pressure sensor comprises a cylindrical columnar hollow body with a pressure introducing opening, a deforming part of which body is distorted by a pressure introduced from the pressure introducing opening, the deforming part being a peripheral wall of the body, and a thin film made of an amorphous magnetic alloy having a magnetostriction property which is fitted around and bonded to the deforming part, wherein the film, which is curved to have a cylindrical shape and annealed before it is provided around the cylindrical columnar deforming part, has a curvature different from a curvature of the cylindrical columnar deforming part.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a piezoelectric airblast gage includes a steel insert into which the gage is screwed. The insert is contained within a steel housing to provide a protective enclosure for the piezoelectric gage and its associated electronics. The insert is clamped inside the housing by means of a steel clamping ring which is bolted to the housing. Gaskets surround the insert on all surfaces which might come in contact with the steel housing or clamping ring. Prior to final assembly, the external electronics package for the piezoelectric gage is shock-isolated by filling the cavity beneath the insert with a shock-mitigating substance. Once fully assembly, the top of the insert and the piezoelectric gage are flush with the top of the housing.

Abstract: A device for measuring the density of the fluid flowing in a closed passage includes a rotor whose speed of rotation is directly dependent on the rate of flow of the fluid. The rotor is connected to an activatable and deactivatable brake means which has an adjustable braking force. Depending on the setting of the brake means, the brake is operative to cause a greater or smaller lag in the rotary speed of the rotor in relation to an unbraked rotor or a rotor braked with a smaller force. The measuring means is operative to determine the resultant different rotational speeds of the rotor and the different in these speeds is a measurement of density.