Abstract: A method for controlling a defrosting operation of a refrigerator by providing a defrosting operation control method wherein a refrigerator use pattern by the user is learned. The defrosting operation control method based on the learning of the refrigerator use pattern comprises the steps of dividing a day, namely, 24 hours into a plurality of time intervals each corresponding to a predetermined period, for example, one hour, calculating the number of refrigerator door openings by time intervals, repeating the calculating step for predetermined days, storing information about arithmetic average values of the number of door openings calculated by time intervals, and performing a defrosting operation during the period that the refrigerator is not used by the user, based on the arithmetic average value information.

Abstract: An air cooling unit having a hot gas defrost coil disposed below the air cooling coil assembly proximate the condensate pan and a hot gas defrost pipe disposed proximate the lower front edge of the air cooling coil assembly for receiving a heated refrigerant gas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for supplying cold to at least one refrigerated enclosure particularly an open enclosure for the display and sale of fresh products in a supermarket, characterized in that:a) in the sales point are disposed said open enclosures provided in manner known per se with cold air dispensing and recovery nozzles, passing through the interior of the enclosures, the air streams sweeping the products displayed and the air heating up by taking calories exchanged from the products;b) there is positioned in a zone offset with respect to said enclosures and chosen for its convenient access, an air cooling plant principally comprising an evaporator of refrigerant liquid-gas and a ventilator, this plant is furthermore supplied with refrigerant by a refrigerating unit;c) the cold air coming from the evaporator of said plant is entrained by forced circulation through appropriate pipes towards said enclosures, the cold air coming from the air cooling plant being delivered to cold air dispensing nozzles ser

Abstract: A filter monitor for indicating the condition of an air filter in a room air conditioner to determine whether the filter is clogged. The filter monitor assembly includes a shell mounted on the front of the air conditioner, with an air pressure equalization passage permitting air flow through the shell when a clogged air filter creates a negative air pressure inside the air conditioner housing. A signal flag within the shell is normally retracted by the force of gravity, but is visibly extended outside the shell by the pressure-induced air flow through the shell, indicating that the air filter is clogged.

Abstract: A control system for an absorption heat transfer plant controls the quantity of heat input into the plant's concentrator in response to the plant's evaporator liquid refrigerant temperature. The control system also controls the temperature of the cooling fluid for the plant's absorber and condenser.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the air temperature of a conditioned space to a selected set point temperature, utilizing a supply of cryogen in liquid and vapor states. The two states are drawn from the supply and maintained in first and second separate, independent flow paths. The liquid cryogen provides a cooling mode for the conditioned space via a heat exchanger disposed in the first flow path, and the vaporized cryogen provides a cooling mode for the conditioned space via a heat exchanger disposed in the second flow path. Cryogen flowing in at least one of the flow paths is used to drive a vapor motor connected to a fan, with the fan moving air between the conditioned space and at least one of the heat exchangers. Heat is applied to the cryogen as required to hold the set point temperature, or to defrost a heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a control apparatus for use in an automotive air conditioning system which includes a variable capacity type refrigerant compressor. The automotive air conditioning system comprises a refrigerant circuit including a refrigerant compressor with an externally controlled variable capacity control mechanism and an evaporator connected to a suction chamber of the compressor, and a control apparatus which controls operation thereof. The control apparatus includes an adjusting device for adjusting a pressure control point in the compressor suction chamber. At the time operation of the refrigerant circuit is initiated, the pressure control point of the compressor suction chamber is adjusted to a predetermined constant value which is determined by air temperature immediately downstream from the evaporator.

Abstract: A unitary molded grill cover is provided for the indoor side of a window type air conditioner. The grille cover is installed without tools or fasteners. A transverse flange on the grille cover top wall is positioned into a groove or slot on the discharge deck, and the grille cover is snapped into place with the bottom wall thereof extending beneath the base pan of the unit. Bosses on the base pan project into corresponding holes in the grille cover bottom wall to retain the grille cover in place. The evaporator fan aperture plate and the discharge deck are also installed without tools or additional fasteners.

Abstract: A self-contained air conditioner unit comprises an enclosure including a first intake aperture positioned to communicate with outside ambient air and a first outlet aperture positioned to communicate with a habitable space in which the air conditioner is placed, and a second intake aperture positioned to communicate with a habitable space in which the air conditioner is placed, and a second outlet aperture positioned to communicate with ambient air outside of the habitable space. A water reservoir is disposed at the bottom of the enclosure. A heat exchanger is disposed in the cabinet over the water reservoir, and comprises a plurality of vertically disposed, alternating wet air channels and dry air channels, the alternating wet air channels and dry air channels defined by substantially parallel opposing heat-transfer partitions.

Abstract: The heating or cooling apparatus includes a heat pump further including a compressor, a radiator portion, an expansion valve and a cooling portion, the heat pump being constructed in the form of a thin rotatable wheel wherein the cooling portion forms a radially inner portion of the wheel and the radiator portion forms a radially outer portion of the wheel, the wheel having a plurality of fins which, when the wheel rotates, drive stream of air over the cooling portion and the radiator portion, and a housing enclosing the wheel and having means for separating the streams of air and directing them in desired directions.

Abstract: A water storage tank for use inside of a refrigerator comprises a one-piece molded plastic body forming a serpentine water conduit. The conduit includes a plurality of upright passageways fluidly interconnected at their ends. A plurality of water circulation passages interconnect the upright passageways intermediate their upper and lower ends to promote an internal circulation of stored water. The body includes a web structure which interconnects the upright passageways to conduct heat therebetween and resist rupture of the tank.

Abstract: A refrigerator has freezing and refrigerating compartments arranged above and below one another. A hollow duct extends vertically through said freezing and refrigerating compartments and receives a flow of cool air at its upper end. The duct includes vertically spaced holes through which the cool air is discharged into the freezing and refrigerating compartments. The duct is freely rotatable about its longitudinal axis and carries fins arranged at the discharge holes such that the discharging cool air impinges against the fins to cause the duct to rotate.

Abstract: A washing machine comprises a washing/dehydrating tank, a water storage tank in which the washing/dehydrating tank is disposed, and a sensor for detecting an electric conductivity of washing water in the washing/dehydrating tank and the water storage tank. The sensor is provided with a pair of electrodes to take into account a variation of an electric resistance of the washing water therebetween, which is representative of the electric conductivity of the washing water, thereby controlling a washing operation of the washing machine. The sensor has a CR oscillation circuit including a resistance which represents the electric conductivity of the water between the electrodes. A variation of the electric conductivity of the washing water is converted into an oscillation frequency variation of the oscillation circuit, and the operation of the washing machine is controlled on the basis of the thus varying oscillation frequency.

Abstract: A security device for locking a wheel of a vehicle includes first and second generally L-shaped clamp members adjustably positioned on a transversely extending cross member. The L-shaped members are moved toward each other to clampingly engage a steering wheel or road wheel of a vehicle. A lock assembly is slideably disposed within an open end of one of the L-shaped clamp members. The lock assembly includes a lock pin which engages apertures, openings or holes in the cross member.

Abstract: A utility meter box lock construction includes a male assembly having a male body which is bolted to the front wall of the utility meter box with a threaded bolt having an annular groove which is locked to the male body by a set screw. The lid is secured in place in a closed condition by a conventional utility plunger lock which is assembled to a female assembly having a bore which aligns with a bore in the male body. A threaded insert is threaded to the male body in the bore which is aligned with a second bore in the female assembly for receiving the plunger lock. The balls of the plunger lock are expandable to an extension locking state for mating with a groove in the insert threaded to the male body. The position of the plunger balls is set along the plunger bore by rotation of the threaded insert for ensuring that the female member with a lid-locking flange closely closes the lid of the box to the box sidewalls.

Abstract: A surface mounted slide bolt including a base, a strike, a bolt and a plug for locking the bolt in either extended or retracted positions and for disposing the bolt in position relative to the base for assembly and disassembly. The bolt includes tongues receivable in notches of L-shaped flanges of the base.

Abstract: In a steering lock device used for a vehicle in which the locking member allows a steering shaft to rotate when an inner cylinder of a cylinder lock moves to ON position by the operation of a key, while the locking member locks the steering shaft when the key is withdrawn at a LOCK position, the steering lock device comprises a key lever disposed in the inner cylinder such that it can swing depending on the insertion and withdrawal of the key, an engaging portion disposed on the outer cylinder that engages the key lever when the inner cylinder is rotated from the ON position to the LOCK position by the key operation and a locking member disposed on the outer cylinder which retracts when the inner cylinder is positioned at the key withdrawal position, thereby unlocking the steering lock shaft, while protrudes when the key is withdrawn, thereby locking the steering shaft non rotatably.

Abstract: A rotary die pipe bending apparatus comprising a bend die mounted for rotation about a bending axis and a clamp die for clamping a pipe to the bend die. The clamp die holds the pipe to be bent as the bend die and the clamp die rotate about the bending axis. A pressure die directed against an outer surface of the pipe for restraining a portion of the pipe spaced away from the bend to be formed in the pipe. A reverse die engaged with an inner surface of the pipe at a location spaced away from the clamp and bend dies and near the pressure die for resisting the bowing of the pipe in back of the bend die and for avoiding the formation of an indentation at the end of the bend.

Abstract: An apparatus to construct studding for use in various construction enviroments includes a portable trailer platform having first and second roller housings, wherein each housing includes at least one pair of rollers to effect deformation of metallic sheet material directed from rolls through each respective housing for deformation of various studding components.

Abstract: An apparatus for tapering a tube having a frame, a tube receiving end connected to the frame, a variable-orifice die arranged so as to be movable relative to the frames, and an axial tension cylinder connected to the tube receiving end so as to apply tension forces to the tube. The variable-orifice die includes a stand having a housing and a plurality of die segments arranged within the housing. The die segments contain a circular groove of varying radius. The die segments define an orifice having an entry plane and an exit plane. The exit plane and the entry plane are offset from the plane of rotation of the die segments. The orifice is truly round in a plane parallel to and offset from the plane of rotation. A motion control processer is interactively connected with the die stand and with the axial tension cylinder for controlling a position of the axial tension cylinder relative to a rate of reduction of the diameter of the tube.

Abstract: A workpiece engaging apparatus forms a hem at the edges of two overlapping sheets or workpieces. A plurality of guide members are pivotally interconnected at one end and have selectively shaped cams formed therein which are traversed by a cam follower driven by a linear drive. The cams and cam follower interact to pivot a hold down member mounted on one of the guide members into engagement with the overlapping workpieces to stationarily hold the workpieces during the hemming operation prior to the engagement of a hem bar attached to another of the guide members with an upstanding edge on one of the workpieces. Pivotal movement of the guide member having the hem bar attached thereto bends the flange of one of the workpieces around and over the edge of the adjacent workpiece to form a hem between the workpieces.

Abstract: An apparatus for straightening a propeller has an arbor press with two opposed inner surfaces. The opposed surfaces are spaced apart a sufficient distance to allow a propeller to fit between them with one opposed surface extending beyond the second opposed surface. Two pads are mounted on the first inner surface to support the propeller during the straightening procedure. One or both of the pads may be adjustable to more precisely locate the points of pressure that will be applied to the propeller to straighten it. A ram is mounted on the second inner surface to apply pressure to the propeller. A reinforcing ridge may be attached to the outer surface of the arbor press to provide rigidity during the propeller straightening procedure. To allow precision manipulation of the device under water, a floatation collar is fixed to the arbor press or the reinforcing ridge. The floatation has sufficient buoyancy to counteract the weight of the apparatus when under water.

Abstract: Compressive force transmitting coupling (64) between an actuator (16), which oscillates along an arcuate path and a ram block (12) which reciprocates along a straight line path comprises first and second compression blocks (66, 68) and a bearing (70) between the compression blocks (66, 68). The compression blocks are in alignment and in compressive engagement with the ram block (12) and actuator (16). The compression blocks have opposed concave cylindrical bearing surfaces (72, 73) and the bearing (70) has oppositely facing convex bearing surfaces (74, 75) which are complementary to the concave surfaces (72, 73) of the blocks (66, 68).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for redrawing a drawn cup are disclosed. In particular, the methods and apparatus disclosed are directed to redrawing a container body for use in a two piece beverage container. The redraw operation uses a redraw sleeve and a redraw ring that prevent wrinkles when a thin gauge metal is employed. The wrinkles are prevented by providing cooperating displacements on the surfaces of the redraw ring and the redraw sleeve that clamp the bottom surface of the cup that is being redrawn. This displacement provides a convoluted path through which the metal is pulled during the redraw operation to increase the resistance to being drawn and the tension in the side wall, thereby substantially eliminating wrinkles.

Abstract: A set of selectable custom water flow restrictors is provided to limit water flow to a predetermined selected gallons-per-minute rate. The restrictor is inserted in-line upstream of the faucet, shower or other water appliance to which water passing through the line is delivered. The restrictor has upstream and downstream chambers connected by a restricting orifice, with the chambers being specially designed to eliminate noise from the restrictor, and to cause the restrictor to be self-cleaning. A downstream water pulse-hammer mitigation disc may be used in conjunction with the main portion of the restrictor in appropriate circumstances.

Abstract: A simple-design device for the measurement of coefficients of friction depending on the relative speed between a sample (8) and a brake disc (13) features a simple-design set-up and is well suited for the measurement of the changes of the coefficient of friction in the starting and in the stopping phases of the friction surface (13). The device operates by pressing the sample (8) with a defined pressing force (K1, K2) onto the friction surface (13) and simultaneously measures that force (K3) with which the samples (8) are dragged by the friction surface (13) transversely to the pressing force (K1, K2) as a function of time and speed. A brake disc can be provided as a friction surface (13). A single source of forces (K1, K2) for the pressing force can also be provided, resulting in a simple-design and sturdy structure for the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting defects in a structure formed of a honeycomb matrix bonded to a support surface including providing a probe body including means defining a fluid passage forming a supply port to an exterior surface of the probe body; connecting a pressurized fluid source to the fluid passage at a location distal from the supply port; placing the supply port in close proximity to a cell of the honeycomb matrix; supplying fluid from the compressed fluid source to the cell via the fluid passage; and monitoring a fluid pressure produced at a portion of the honeycomb matrix adjacent to the supply port to detect disbonds between the honeycomb matrix and support surface.

Abstract: A flow meter for determining rates of fluid flow in a fluid conduit where the flow rates are low. The flow meter comprises a parallel combination of a controllable valve and a pressure differential sensing device coupled to the conduit. The flow meter operates by maintaining equal pressure on both sides thereof. When pressure unbalance occurs, the flow meter and associated control apparatus measures the amount of fluid necessary to equalize pressure. The frequency of fluid replenishment necessary to equalize the pressure determines flow rate.

Abstract: A rheometer or viscometer for continuously measuring the rheological properties of non-Newtonian, mixed phase fluids or slurries. The device has a vertically disposed, inverted U-tube to maintain solids in suspension and, therefore, exhibit a homogeneous character. The fluid flow rate is controlled to assure nonturbulent laminar flow through the tube. Pressure is measured at as point in each leg of the U-tube and compared. For a constant flow rate, the pressure drop over the tube is used to measure the viscosity of the fluid in the tube.

Abstract: A method of determining static gel strength of a fluid in a container comprises: commencing relative movement between the fluid in the container and a member disposed in the fluid in the container so that torque is created; stopping the relative movement; and sensing the torque during the time between commencing and stopping the relative movement and detecting the peak torque during such time, wherein the detected peak torque defines the static gel strength of the fluid.

Abstract: A turn angle indicator or angular displacement indicator and, more particularly, relates to a capacitive turn angle indicator, especially a positioning sensor for a flap or throttle valve, including a supporting plate fastened to the apparatus at a close narrow distance in front of a further supporting plate which is rotatable planar-parallel relative thereto and which is utilized for a mutually oppositely located narrow spoke or sector-shaped electrode pattern, and with a bearing structure for the rotatable supporting plate and which is fastened to the apparatus. The supporting plates are guided relative to each other through the intermediary of compressively-loaded distance spacers which are arranged in the region of the outer edges of the plates which extend in parallel with the axis of rotation of the rotatable plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an indicating device, especially for indicating the state of pressure of a tire, of the type that can be fixed to a wheel. The device includes: a mechanism (7) for measuring the pressure of the tire (2); a transducer/transmitter (8) which converts the measured magnitude of the pressure into an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal to an electronic unit; and a source of electrical power (12, 13) for the transducer/transmitter (8).

Abstract: The quantity of fuel in a fuel tank 1 is measured by determining the displacement of a membrane 19 and pressure values from a sensor 13. The displacement values of the membrane are representative of volume changes in a gas chamber in the tank 1 while the pressure values in the sensor 13 are representative of the pressure of the gas chamber. With these values, the fuel content in the gas tank can be determined from the general equation of state of an ideal gas. In order to displace the membrane 19, an electric motor 20 drives a step down transmission 25 which in turn drives a spindle mechanism 22 which is coupled to the membrane 19.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for detecting the influence of cross wind on the handling of a motor vehicle comprising pressure measuring points situated on opposite sides of the vehicle for the measuring of the air pressure existing in the area of the outer skin of the vehicle body. The pressure measuring points are constructed as bores in the outer skin of the vehicle body. A differential pressure sensor, which detects the differential pressure (Dp) between two vehicle sides, is arranged centrally between two pressure measuring points, and is connected with the two bores by way of hoses or lines which, if possible, should have the same length. For detecting the vehicle's entry into and emergence from a cross wind gust, the sensor filters the detected values of the wind cross force by means of a low pass filter and compares them with the filtered values that were detected immediately before.

Abstract: A gas meter assembly having a universal type connector subassembly. This gas meter assembly includes a gas meter, inlet piping, outlet piping, and a connector unit which has a U-shaped inlet pipe, a Z-shaped outlet pipe, and a strut fixedly connected to the U-shaped inlet pipe and connected to the Z-shaped outlet pipe. The strut has a first hole with a first axis receiving the inlet pipe and has a second hole with a second axis receiving an upper portion of the Z-shaped outlet pipe for rotating through a selective angle a lower portion of the Z-shaped outlet pipe with a third axis, so that the spacing between the first and third axes can be made either more or less than the spacing between the first and second axis, in order to match the spacing between inlet and outlet connections of the meter.

Abstract: A housing for an air flow rate meter is embodied by two housing parts joined together by a detent connection, so that the assembly is reduced to a single operation, and screws and nuts are omitted. The housing for air flow rate meters is especially suitable for fuel injection systems of mixture-compressing internal combustion engines with externally supplied ignition, or air-compressing, self-igniting internal combustion engines.

Abstract: A thermal flowmeter for determining a parameter of a fluid flowing through a passage, including a detecting element, and a pair of electrically conductive supports fixed to a wall defining the passage for supporting the detecting element. The detecting element includes a substrate, an electrically resistive body disposed on the substrate and having an electrical resistance which varies with an ambient temperature, and a pair of electrical conductors provided at opposite ends of the support and electrically connected to the electrically resistive body. The detecting element is positioned in the passage such that the electrical conductors are secured to the electrically conductive supports. The electrically conductive supports have respective engaging portions which engage the electrical conductors, respectively, for positioning the detecting element with respect to the wall of the passage.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the volume of an electrically conductive liquid held in a confined area includes a tank constructed of electrically conductive, fiber-reinforced composite material having an inside surface and an outside surface. An electrically insulative liner is disposed in the tank against the inside surface thereof to receive and hold the liquid. A voltage source supplies an electrical charge to the tank walls, with ground potential being supplied to the liquid, to thereby develop a capacitance between the tank walls and the liquid. The capacitance varies with variation in the volume of liquid and thus by measuring the capacitance, a measure can be made of the volume of liquid in the tank.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid level detection apparatus using the Archimedean principle suited for the measurement of the level of a liquid, in particular a high temperature molten metal. The liquid level detection apparatus is comprised of a probe (3) which inserted in a molten metal (2) and receives a buoyancy corresponding to the level of the liquid, an arm (4) which is supports the probe at one end, a support (7) which supports the arm, a force detector (8) which is provided under the other end of the arm and detects the buoyancy received by the probe through the arm, and a signal processing means (13) which performs operational processing on the electrical output signals of the force detector and finds the level corresponding to the output.

Abstract: A monolithic quartz resonator accelerometer including a monolithic quartz sensing structure with a frame, a proof mass support structure within the frame, and a resonator structure interconnecting the frame and the support structure. Further included are a proof mass fixed to the support structure, and electrodes on the resonator structure for driving the resonator at a vibration frequency which varies as a function of the acceleration of the proof mass.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for detecting pressure in a combustion chamber of internal combustion engines has a housing, a sensor element composed of a piezoresistive material and arranged in the housing, a diaphragm, a punch introducing a pressure to be determined onto the sensor element and located between the diaphragm and the sensor element. The punch has a counterbearing, a hybrid has a base, and a preprocessing circuit has electronic components. The sensor element, the hybrid with its base and the electronic components of the preprocessing circuit are located on the counterbearing of the punch.

Abstract: A purge gas pressure monitoring system has a piezometer tube running from a pressure measuring instrument into a medium to be monitored. A temperature detector device extends the length of the piezometer tube. Outputs from the pressure measuring instrument and the temperature detector device are coupled to a central processing device or microcomputer for monitoring the outputs and using the outputs along with stored data to calculate a corrected pressure signal which is corrected for errors including errors arising as a result of variations of the average temperature along the piezometer line from a reference value.

Abstract: A versatile low cost capacitive type of electrical pressure transducer includes a sensor module providing an output signal indicative of fluid pressure effective thereon, and an elongate cylindrical housing receiving the module and providing for communication thereto of a first fluid pressure (which may have a high pressure level), and of a second fluid pressure (which may range from a vacuum through atmospheric pressure to a pressure level of a few hundred pounds). Consequently the transducer may operate as a gauge pressure sensor or as a differential pressure sensor. Alternatively, other types of sensor modules may also be employed in housings of the same or substantially the same design to fulfill other types of pressure measurement tasks. The commonality of component parts of the various sensors contributes to a reduces cost. Also, the components of the housing are economical to manufacture and assemble, and provide for testing and calibration of the sensors at an intermediate step of manufacture.

Abstract: A pressure-measuring head for measuring the pressure of a fluid consists of a membrane-like diaphragm (6), which separates a pressure chamber (4) from a reference chamber (7), to which the pressure-sensitive elements, e.g., thick-film resistors or strain gauges, are applied. Under the effect of the pressure in the pressure chamber, these pressure-sensitive elements perform a deflection which is proportional to the pressure occurring in the pressure chamber. An electric contact is switched during simultaneous displacement of the membrane (6) arranged in a sensor housing by a predeterminable distance (19) after a defined pressure value has been reached in the pressure chamber. A measuring head of such a design is also able to assume a swithing function without additional auxiliary energy, besides sending an electrically processable pressure signal.

Abstract: The field of the invention is that of manufacturing non-destructive measurement equipment suitable for fitting to devices for handling and conveying objects on a continuous basis, e.g. for the purpose of monitoring the ripeness and/or the dimensions of fruit and vegetables. The invention provides apparatus for non-destructive measurement in real time of fragile objects moving continuously on a conveyor system of the type including object-receiving cells in which said objects are placed and conveyed one by one along a given directional plane. The apparatus includes at least one support arm hinged at one end and carrying a shoe at its other end, with the bottom surface of the shoe being cylindrical in shape having generator lines that are perpendicular to said plane. Each of said objects rolls beneath and against said surface with relative rotary motion, and at least one sensor performs a non-destructive measurement of a parameter of each of said objects.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for measuring the velocity of a fluid surface flowing in a predetermined direction in a channel or flume 10 includes the steps of generating a microwave frequency electrical signal adapted to reflect from the fluid surface; spacing the generation of the electrical signal from the fluid surface; directing the signal along a line toward the fluid surface and opposite the predetermined direction and at an angle of between 30.degree. and 40.degree. to the fluid surface; detecting the signal reflected from the fluid surface; and determining from the directed and reflected signal the Doppler frequency shift therebetween as a measure of the velocity of the fluid surface.

Abstract: Magnetostrictive wire having a low surface-to-volume ratio established by a onstant non-planar cross-section, is helically deformed into contact with a shaft under a stress maintaining the wire in fixed relation to the shaft surface. Magnetic anisotropy is imparted to the wire by twist thereof about its cross-sectional axis while the wire is being helically deformed into contact with the shaft surface to form a torque sensor through which accurate torque detection is achieved.

Abstract: A structural assembly that measures forces along and moments about three orthogonal axes with very low cross talk or likelihood of affecting the reading in one axis from loads in another axis is disclosed. The assembly comprises a support structure having a longitudinal axis that is positioned on an axis of the plurality of orthogonal axes. The support structure is substantially compliant for moments about the longitudinal axis and substantially rigid for forces along the orthogonal axes and for moments about the non-longitudinal orthogonal axes. Structural elements of the support structure are joined together with elliptical fillets to minimize stress concentration within the structure. A torque cell that measures moments about the longitudinal axis is positioned concentrically about the longitudinal axis either within a cavity located in the support structure or cylindrically around the support structure.

Abstract: The load measuring device according to the invention comprises at least three identical force meters that together support the frame (2) and, for example, are supported on the chassis (1) of a truck. The individual force meter comprises a flexural spring (10) as primary spring of an elastic reduction, and a further flexural spring (17) as secondary spring of the elastic reduction. A force transducer (18) with at least one perpendicularly oscillating cord is inserted between the center section (15) of the flexural spring (10) and the center of the flexural spring (17); this force transducer (18) measures the reduced force flow subject to the firmness of the flexural springs (10 and 17). The outside sections (13) of the flexural spring (10), for example, are connected to the frame (2), and the center section (15), for example, is connected to the chassis (1).

Abstract: A proximity sensor based on a closed field circuit. The circuit comprises a ring oscillator using a symmetrical array of plates that creates an oscillating displacement current. The displacement current varies as a function of the proximity of objects to the plate array. Preferably the plates are in the form of a group of three pair of symmetric plates having a common center, arranged in a hexagonal pattern with opposing plates linked as a pair. The sensor produces logic level pulses suitable for interfacing with a computer or process controller. The proximity sensor can be incorporated into a load cell, a differential pressure gauge, or a device for measuring the consistency of a characteristic of a material where a variation in the consistency causes the dielectric constant of the material to change.