Abstract: A fuel trimming unit has been adapted to each combustion chamber in a multi-chamber combustor of an industrial gas turbine. The fuel trim unit matches the combustion air flow into each combustion chamber. This adjusts the fuel-air mixture to account for air flow variations into the individual combustion reaction zones of each combustion chamber. Because of the fuel trim unit, a uniform fuel-air mixture is provided to each combustion chamber in a gas turbine. The fuel trim unit is adjusted using sensor inputs of the fuel flow rate to each combustion chamber, the dynamic pressure in each combustion chamber, and the turbine exhaust temperature.

Abstract: A power sensing regenerator includes a pair of displacers (24 and 26) connected in tandem for dividing a flow of fluid from a pump (12) into predetermined proportions for servicing one or more loads (42). Flow control valves (32 and 34) regulate respective flows from the displacers (24 and 26) to the one or more loads (42). A control system, which includes differential pressure regulators of the flow control valves (32 and 34), responds to a difference between discharge pressures of the displacers (24 and 26) for reducing discharge pressure of the pump (12).

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for controlling the speed of multiple hydraulic fluid power devices when the flow demand of the devices exceeds the flow capacity of a pressure source supplying hydraulic fluid under pressure to the devices has multiple pressure controlled proportional flow supply valves for controlling the supply of hydraulic fluid to the power devices. Load sense pressures which indicate the pressure delivered by the valves to the corresponding devices are compared to determine the highest load sense pressure, which is compared to the supply pressure by a proportional speed sensing valve to regulate the pilot pressure. In the preferred embodiment, the pilot pressure is regulated by the proportional speed sensing valve to be equal to the differential between the supply pressure and the highest load sense pressure, and a limit control is provided in one form of the proportional speed sensing valve.

Abstract: A power generating system for processing and converting low grade coal to electrical power comprises apparatus for grinding a stream of coal into fine powder, separating the coal into high grade coal and low grade coal, a suspension burner for burning the high grade coal and generating heat for powering a gas turbine, a circulating fluidized burner for burning the low grade coal for generating heat, and a combination of heat exchangers combining a portion of the heat from the suspension burner with the heat from the circulating bed burner for generating steam for powering a steam turbine.

Abstract: Gas turbine engine combustion chamber has staged combustion to reduce nitrous oxides and includes a first radial flow swirler and a second radial flow swirler located axially of an annular mixing zone with each swirler having vanes for rotating the incoming air in substantially opposite directions relative to each other; first and second fuel injectors are provided with a first fuel injectors located in one of the passages of each of the first and second swirlers and with the second fuel injectors located upstream of the passages of the first and second swirlers.

Abstract: First and second premixed burners having annular injection slots are concentrically adjacent and the injection slots are substantially aligned with each other in a longitudinal direction of the burners. A pilot burner is provided substantially in the center of the annular first premixed burner so that the injection slot of the pilot burner is substantially aligned with the injection slot of the first premixed burner in a longitudinal direction of the burner. A flame holder which forms a circulating flow of combusted gas Gh downstream of the flame holder is disposed at the downstream end of a boundary wall between the premixed burners so that the flame holder is co-used by the premixed burners. Flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of fuel supplied to the first, second premixed burner and the pilot burner, respectively are provided. The fuel can be substantially uniformly mixed with a combustion gas. Reduction in NOx and stabilization of premixed flame can be achieved.

Abstract: A thermoelectric cooler and warmer which has a unique ventilation system to distribute cool or warm air throughout the unit so that there are no hot or cool spots, a door which is mounted so that it can be easily opened whether the door is facing up or facing front, a lid or door latch which can be easily and reliably operated, and/or a handle configuration which does not unbalance the unit so that it can be advantageously placed with the door up or on an end with the lid or door facing front so that it can be advantageously used as a conventional chest or as a portable mini-refrigerator or warming unit.

Abstract: An acoustic resonator includes a chamber which contains a fluid. The chamber has a geometry which produces self-destructive interference of at least one harmonic in the fluid to avoid shock wave formation at finite acoustic pressure amplitudes. The chamber can have reflective terminations at each end or a reflective termination at only one end. A driver mechanically oscillates the chamber at a frequency of a selected resonant mode of the chamber. The driver may be a moving piston coupled to an open end of the chamber, an electromagnetic shaker or an electromagnetic driver.

Abstract: A system for and method of storing and automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of one or more food products from closed containers is described. The system preferably includes multi-compartment containers carried by a carrousel assembly and moved by a dispensing mechanism for automatically selecting the appropriate container and compartment for which food is dispensed. By using a control with memory for keeping inventory, the system can dispense any one of several food products on demand.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to defrost evaporator coils of a refrigeration system by periodically replacing the refrigerant in the evaporator coils by hot refrigerant gas from the compression side of a compressor. The gas from the compressor is sent through an oil separator, then through a solenoid valve to a vaporizer tank. From the vaporizer tank, a portion of the hot gas is fed constantly during the defrosting cycle through a metering flow control valve to the evaporator coils. As the pressure builds up in the vaporizer tank due to the compressor supplying more gas than the amount flowing through the metering flow control valve, a pressure control senses the pressure increase and opens a vaporizer solenoid valve to allow additional hot gas to flow to the evaporator coils. In the evaporator the gas heats the evaporator coils and melts the frost on the coils and then passes to the suction line of the compressor.

Abstract: A refrigerated cargo bay such as a cargo bay of a refrigerated cargo transport in combination with a plurality of generally rectangular product support platforms. The product support platforms each have a generally rectangular upper panel and a plurality of spacers depending from the upper panel for spacing the upper panel from the floor of the cargo bay. The spacers are arranged in spaced apart locations and define passageways for air beneath the upper panel and above the floor between all of the four sides of the platform to permit the flow of air into any one of the sides between the upper panel and the floor and out all three of the other sides of the platform. The platforms are arranged in a side-by-side relationship on the floor of the cargo bay with adjacent sides of the platforms generally in engagement with one another such that air is permitted to flow under the upper panels between all platforms in substantially all directions parallel to the floor.

Abstract: An automatic control for an air conditioner having a compressor motor and a fan motor and a method for its operation are provided. While the control operates both motors to cool an enclosed space, a temperature indicative of the air temperature in the space is sensed and compared with a first preselected temperature value. When the sensed temperature is no longer greater than the preselected temperature, operation of the compressor motor is terminated. Thereafter the fan motor is operated for a first preselected time period. During the first time period, a currently sensed temperature indicative of the air temperature in the space is compared with a second preselected temperature value. When the sensed temperature is no longer less than the second preselected temperature during the first time period, operation of the compressor motor is resumed and the process described above with respect to cooling the space is repeated.

Abstract: A microprocessor based control system for controlling frost accumulation on the outdoor evaporator coil of a heat pumping system during normal heat mode operations. A demand defrost concept is implemented to increase efficiency and maximize time intervals between defrost cycles by initiating the defrost cycle only when an optimal maximum amount of frost has accumulated on the coil. The control system also facilitates monitoring of the rate of frost accumulation to make the outdoor coil conditions less favorable to frost buildup.

Abstract: An engine driven air conditioner for adjusting a temperature of an inner space of a room, includes a coolant circuit having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device and an evaporator, an engine for driving the compressor, and a control device for controlling the coolant circuit and the engine in such a manner that the engine is driven at its minimum power or at a power other than the minimum power. During operation the engine is stopped if the temperature exceeds a first set value while the engine is being driven at the minimum power, the engine is stopped if the temperature exceeds a second set value which is less than the first set value while the engine is being driven after the minimum power operation, and the engine is driven at the minimum power when the engine is re-started after a temporary stop of the engine.

Abstract: An over-pressure control apparatus for a refrigeration system provides for non-atmospheric venting of an evaporator during over-pressure conditions. The control apparatus includes a sensor for indicating evaporator pressure, a storage vessel for receiving liquid refrigerant from the evaporator, and a controller responsive to the sensor. The controller acts in response to the reading of the sensor to selectively open and close at least one control valve coupling the storage vessel to the evaporator and condenser of the refrigeration system. Liquid refrigerant is vented from the evaporator to the storage vessel in response to a detected over-pressure condition.The over-pressure control method hereof acts to vent liquid refrigerant from the evaporator at a predetermined pressure above normal operating pressure, but below the pressure where emergency venting of refrigerant vapor from the evaporator to the atmosphere is required.

Abstract: Apparatus for the storage and projection of ice balls comprising in combination:a revolving tank terminated by an opening in the lower part for linking with a ball injection chamber (44) to which are fixed:a) a motor (32) able to rotate an axial rod (30) equipped with mixing or stirring blades (36) of an Archimedean screw (38) and, between the two, a means for sealing the passage of the balls (40),b) a jack (34) able to control a translation of the axial rod (30),a gun (4) for projecting the balls and connected to the outlet (58) of the injection chamber,a compressed air source (6),on the gun, a double contact trigger (60), the first contact of which controls the injection of air and the second contact controls the raising jack (34) of the axial rod (30) and the rotation of the motor (32).

Abstract: An ice chest for a cold plate or drop-in type beverage dispenser wherein the cold plate includes a carbonator integral therewith and the ice chest also includes an aluminum casting as a side wall of the ice bin with prechill cooling coils embedded therein for prechilling the water before it is fed to the carbonator. The cold plate includes a semi-cylindrical sleeve extending downwardly therefrom and forming part of a carbonator housing. The sleeve is in intimate heat exchange contact with both the cold plate and the carbonator for cooling the carbonator.

Abstract: In a low temperature generation process, compressed gas (3) at high pressure enters from an inlet nozzle (1) and alternately expands into one of two resonator tubes (A,B) of an expansion engine. The expanding gas excites standing acoustic waves (4) in the resonator tubes (A,B). The acoustic energy of the waves (4) is converted into electrical energy by acoustic/electric power converters and is led away outside the "cold area" of the tubes. The expansion engine contains one or more resonator tubes with a common inlet nozzle (1). Each resonator tube has an acoustic/electric power converter (5) and an exhaust port (6). Together with a compressor, a heat exchanger and a heat sink, the expansion engine provides a very effective cooling system which may be used for the cooling of small electronic devices like chips or modules.

Abstract: A regulator valve assembly adapted to be used in conjunction with a torque converter in a vehicular transmission having a pressurized hydraulic distribution system, a cooling system and a torque converter. The regulator valve assembly has a stepped valve chamber to receive a spool valve member for axial translation. The spool valve member defines first, second, third and fourth subchambers within the stepped valve chamber. Axial translation of the valve member effects selective communication between the subchambers. A first land on the spool valve member is interposed between the first and second subchambers. A second land is interposed between the second and third subchambers. A third land is interposed between the third and fourth subchambers, and a fourth land is exposed to the fourth subchamber. A first outlet communicates with the first subchamber. A first inlet and a second outlet communicate with the second subchamber. A second inlet and third outlet communicate with the third subchamber.

Abstract: A reinforcing yarn and an abrasion resistant knitted fabric made therewith are disclosed. The reinforcing yarn is made by pairing one end of a "Z"-twist textured yarn together with one end of an "S"-twist textured yarn to yield an S/Z yarn pair. The S/Z yarn pair is then axially twisted in a first direction and stretched before being helically wrapped in the opposite direction with a duplicate S/Z yarn pair to yield a 4-end composite reinforcing yarn. This reinforcing yarn is knit in plaited relationship to the body yarn of a fabric to produce a fabric with exceptional abrasion resistance.

Abstract: The model die for measuring values of parameters inherent in the drawing of pieces of sheet metal to produce shaped elements, each including at least one curved surface region which has a critical radius of curvature, has at least one curved surface region which is a copy of the region with critical curvature of the shaped element to be produced. The die has at least one sensor selected from the group comprising pressure, temperature, linear-displacement, vibration, breakage and thickness sensors for measuring the value of a parameter of the drawing of a model shaped element which can be correlated functionally to a corresponding parameter inherent in the drawing of the shaped element on an industrial scale. If the value measured differs from the value which can be calculated or predicted on the basis of a mathematical model of the drawing method, it can be used to improve the mathematical model which can be used for analysing and/or controlling the drawing method.

Abstract: A roll forming machine is used for forming material, typically metal strip into various shapes. The machines comprise pairs of forming rolls which are spaced apart along an axis. The profile of the roll pairs progressively change along the axis, so that respective pairs of rolls effect different degrees of folding to material passing between them. As a result, the machine is capable of effecting progressive folding of material fed between the pairs of rolls along this axis. In the present machines, versatility of the machines is improved by using forming rolls each comprising a plurality of roll section elements. The roll section elements are mounted so as to be independently freely revolvable about the axis of the roll and additionally they may be driven so that they are capable of assisting both in folding/forming roll material and in transmitting drive thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the basic friction angle of a surface of given material comprises a housing adapted to be held against a surface of material to be tested, a base which can slide along the inside wall of the housing, a wheel mounted on the lower part of the base and adapted to contact the surface to be tested, a spring for applying a load on the base to force the wheel against the surface to be tested, and a torque gauge for applying a torque to the wheel, and for measuring the maximum torque required to spin the wheel on the surface to be tested at various loads applied to the base.

Abstract: In an automatic analyzer of samples, the liquid specimen and the reagent are mixed in a reaction container to react. If, however, there is a bubble in the reagent container, a accurate amount of a reagent may not be dispensed. Accordingly, a liquid surface detecting circuit for detecting the liquid surface on the basis of the impedance change between a pipet and a ground is disposed, and the height of the liquid surface before and after suction of the reagent is compared on the basis of the liquid surface detecting information, and the bubble is detected when the difference is more than a specified value, and accordingly the driving circuit of the driving source is controlled by the control circuit. Thus, when dispensing the reagent in the reagent container by a pipet, the bubble can be detected securely and accurately, and this apparatus may be used in a slender reagent container.

Abstract: A system for continuously monitoring the concentration of tritium in an aqueous stream. The system pumps a sample of the stream to magnesium-filled combustion tube which reduces the sample to extract hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is then sent to an isotope separation device where it is separated into two groups of isotopes: a first group of isotopes containing concentrations of deuterium and tritium, and a second group of isotopes having substantially no deuterium and tritium. The first group of isotopes containing concentrations of deuterium and tritium is then passed through a tritium detector that produces an output proportional to the concentration of tritium detected. Preferably, the detection system also includes the necessary automation and data collection equipment and instrumentation for continuously monitoring an aqueous stream.

Abstract: Method of confirming the presence or absence of leaks in a liquid storage container, particularly in partially filled underground storage tanks, subjected to partial vacuum for the purpose of testing the tank for the presence of a leak in the area above the liquid using a hydrophone or microphone either positioned in or attached to the container to detect the sound produced by the ingress of fluid into the container as a result of the vacuum. The ingress of fluid is confirmed by recording and observing the vacuum pump on/off cycles, the on/off cycles for a leaking container being distinguishable from the on/off cycles for a non-leaking container.

Abstract: The apparatus for checking the volume of bottles (1) comprises a head (2) adapted to be moved sealingly onto the bottle mouth (21), with a metering piston (7) which is displaceable in relation to the head (2) to be inserted into the bottle (1) and compress the air contained therein, and a pressure sensor (9) for measuring the excess pressure produced in the bottle. The measured volume (11) in the bottle is linked to a compensating volume (12) through a duct (10). The compensating volume is determined on the one hand by the constant starting height of the metering piston (7) and on the other hand by the variable displacement path length of the head (2).

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating phase change of an emulsion comprises a sliding part having a sliding surface to which the emulsion is applied, a pushing part disposed at a fixed position and pushed against the sliding surface applied with the emulsion, and sensor means for measuring a force imparted to the pushing part in the sliding direction. Also disclosed is a method for evaluating phase change of an emulsion from changes in the force measured by the apparatus.

Abstract: An air or gaseous fluid lubricated penetrometer reduces friction between the soil and the push rod string. Air is pumped into the interior of the string and is directed by exit ports into the annular space between the soil and the outer walls of the string. Without damaging the soil, the air prevents the soil from adhering to the sides of the string and thereby reduces frictional forces that restrict the downward movement thereof. The exit ports in the string are located above the instrument housing so that accurate measurements can be made on the soil properties.

Abstract: The scanning force microscope is an improved free standing type scanning force microscope with integrated scanning drivers for examination of a wide range of sizes and weights of stationary specimens, with the capability of scanning a sample in contact with a fluid. The scanning force microscope also includes motorized driver legs for operating the approach of the optical lever arm and sensor head to the sample, to allow for automation of the approach of the sensor head to the specimen.

Abstract: A cantilever chip has a hold substrate and a film member bonded to the substrate. The film member has a rectangular cantilever portion and a triangular cantilever portion having an inner portion removed. These portions are formed by patterning. Each of the portions has an end fixed to the hold substrate, and a free end provided with a probe. The film member has an alignment end used as a mark to determine the position of the side end face of the hold substrate at the time of the film being bonded to the substrate. The alignment end is divided by notches into the cantilever portions.

Abstract: A device for the identification of vehicle features essentially comprises an electronic memory circuit which is arranged fixed to the vehicle and which can be read by an external apparatus which is to be connected to the vehicle. The memory is integrated into or onto a segment of the contact element support of a diagnosis socket, which segment is detachable from the latter. A part of a film-chip film circuit can very advantageously be used for this purpose, as is known from the technology and production of electronic credit cards and data cards. The electronic memory is initially written at the factory during the production of the vehicle, and then reflects the original equipment features of the vehicle. In the event of an installation or modification for the special equipment of the vehicle, the contents of the memory can be modified or updated electrically by the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for predicting the temperature of automatic transmission fluid, in real time, in an automatic transmission. The method involves determining a constant for thermal inertia of the transmission, determining a torque converter heat flow, determining a transmission heat flow, determining a transmission cooler heat flow and determining an exterior-of-transmission heat flow. From each of the four above-mentioned heat flows and the above-mentioned constant, the transmission fluid temperature is predicted. The predicted temperature is used to modify operational parameters of the transmission such as its shift tables.

Abstract: Fluid level in a container is determined using a single pressure transducer connected to a portable body. The body contains a computer having a memory in which fluid level-to-fluid volume conversion data are stored for different shapes of containers so that fluid volume can be readily obtained for the shape of the respective container once fluid level is determined. These features allow a single monitoring apparatus to be used for monitoring different types of containers. The apparatus preferably includes a radio so that multiple apparatus can communicate in a system with a central remote operator interface device. Fluid level is determined by dividing a pressure reading from the bottom of the fluid by a fluid density determined from two prior pressure reading taken across a known distance (density equals the difference between the two readings divided by the distance).

Abstract: A self-contained multiple channel pressure recorder comprises a single, compact, portable housing containing two quartz pressure transducers and electrical circuits for sensing two pressures communicated into the housing to the pressure transducers, for sensing ambient temperature, and for converting the sensed pressures into electrical signals representing absolute pressure magnitudes compensated both for temperature and calibration effects. The resulting data can be locally displayed through a display mounted on the housing, or the data can be remotely transmitted through an electrical coupling mounted on the housing.

Abstract: A method is provided for locating non-aqueous phase liquid in an aquifer. An aqueous solution having the capacity to solubilize the contaminating liquid to concentrations greater than the solubility of the contaminant in water is injected and produced through a well. Chemical concentrations in produced fluid samples are interpreted to locate the contaminating liquid. Produced fluid samples are chemically analyzed to determine composition of the contaminant.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a wind speed indicating device wherein a plurality of panels of flexible fabric are attached to a vertically disposable holding component. Each panel of flexible material is heavier or more wind resistant than the one above it, thus requiring a higher wind necessary to unfurl it or extend it horizontally. Each panel has markings on its side to indicate the wind speed required to effectuate its unfurling.

Abstract: A three axis attitude orientation system for a spacecraft in orbit which employs a single UV sensor. The single sensor provides roll and pitch information by locating the centroid of the earth and using this as a reference point. The system determines yaw by tracking the position of stars which appear in the field of view around the earth. three axis attitude is determined through ultraviolet imaging of the earth's limb and adjacent stars. A non-conventional wide angle optics assembly and intensified CCD array are utilized for this purpose.

Abstract: A three axis attitude orientation system for a spacecraft in orbit which employs a single UV sensor. The single sensor provides roll and pitch information by locating the centroid of the earth and using this as a reference point. The system determines yaw by tracking the position of stars which appear in the field of view around the earth. Three axis attitude is determined through ultraviolet imaging of the earth's limb and adjacent stars. A non-conventional wide angle optics assembly and intensified CCD array are utilized for this purpose.

Abstract: An air data sensor (10) for mounting on an air vehicle (14), the outer end (11) is spaced outwardly from a surface of the air vehicle (14), a mounting base (12) and an outer end (11) which is provided with sensing ports (21, 22) for sensing air data parameters, the body (32) of the sensor (10) is made so that when viewed in the bisecting plane of the body (32), the inner and outer edges (34, 36) of the body curve continuously from the outer end (11) to the base (12). These edges (34, 36) diverge from adjacent to the outer end (11) to the base (12) to provide a very smooth streamlined probe (10) which tends to reduce drag.

Abstract: A measuring element which has been lengthening in the flow direction to provide a detachment zone which is shifted downstream from the region of the measuring resistor, so that end flow disturbances no longer affect the region of the measuring resistor, and adulteration of the measurement values is prevented. The measuring element is especially suitable for determining the throughput or flow rate of the aspirated air of mixture-compressing internal combustion engines.

Abstract: An ultrasonic level measuring system includes a transducer mounted on the bottom of a pipe which launches acoustic pulses up through the pipe wall into the water. The pulses are reflected from the water surface and received by the transducer along with pulses reflected by the pipe wall and reverberations within the pipe wall. The system has a monitor mode in which a variable threshold for the reflected pulses is set by dividing the time after a trigger pulse into time bins and automatically establishing a threshold level for each time bin. In a signal search mode, the time bin containing the liquid level is identified from a histogram recording reflected pulses which exceed the threshold levels for the various time bins. In a normal operating mode, foreground calculations precisely calculating the liquid level in the identified bin alternate with background calculations which reassess the identification of the time bin containing the liquid level.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for measuring the height of liquid contained in a storage tank is disclosed. A tube is disposed inside the tank. A float is disposed inside the tube and is buoyed on the surface of the liquid. An ultrasonic transducer is disposed inside the tube. The ultrasonic transducer emits ultrasonic pulses toward the float, receives the reflected ultrasonic pulses, and responsively produces an echo signal. The float has a top portion and a bottom portion separated by a cylindrical portion. The bottom portion including an spherical surface which receives the ultrasonic pulses. The spherical surface has a predetermined radius which is a function of the inside diameter of the tube, the height of the cylindrical portion of the float and the outside diameter of the cylindrical portion of the float. A temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the liquid and produces a thermometric signal in response to the liquid temperature.

Abstract: To determine the depth of a body of water, ultrasonic pulses are transmitted from a point above the water at a known distance. Reflections from the water are received and the time of each of the leading edge of the reflections and the trailing edge are recorded as well as the amplitude. This information is used to sort the reflections and the most significant reflections are used to calculate the level of the water.

Abstract: This invention provides for a fiber optic moisture sensor. The sensor is comprised of a housing and a support positioned within the housing. The support is coated with a film. A first and second light guides are positioned within the housing and communicate illumination to and from the film. A reflective surface is positioned within the housing facing the film. The film comprises an optically transparent polymer and a salt complex of a metal ion and an organic compound. The salt complex is capable of absorbing moisture and emits a fluorescence signal when excited by light at the appropriate wavelength. The fluorescence signal can be quenched when the salt complex absorbs moisture. An apparatus incorporating the sensor and a method of making the sensor are also provided.

Abstract: A sensor (10) is disclosed for measuring the specific force and angular rotation rate of a moving body and is micromachined from a silicon substrate (16). First and second accelerometers (32a and b) are micromachined from the silicon substrate (16), each having a force sensing axis (38) and producing an output signal of the acceleration of the moving body along its force sensing axis (38). The first and second accelerometers (32a and b) are mounted within the substrate (16) to be moved along a vibration axis (41). The first and second accelerometers (32a and b) are vibrated or dithered to increase the Coriolis component of the output signals from the first and second accelerometers (32a and b). A sinusoidal drive signal of a predetermined frequency is applied to a conductive path (92) disposed on each of the accelerometers.

Abstract: An acoustic microscope assembly for atomic level inspection of a target object includes a cantilever arm with a sharp tip on its lower surface and a zinc oxide piezoelectric thin film on its upper surface. High frequency excitation signals, having a frequency of at least 50 Megahertz, are applied to the piezoelectric thin film so as to generate high frequency acoustic signals that are transmitted through the sharp tip so as to impact on a target object. The assembly can either receive acoustic signals reflected by the target object, or it can receive acoustic signals that have propagated through the target object. One method of using this assembly is to apply a continuous wave signal to the piezoelectric thin film while scanning the target object, and measuring characteristics of the target object at various positions thereof by measuring the resonant frequency of the transmitted high frequency acoustic signals.

Abstract: An optical pressure transducer includes a body for supporting therein both an input optical fiber and an output optical fiber. A light source generates input light to the input optical fiber. A force responsive diaphragm is secured to the body and deflects in response to sensed pressure. A fixed reflector and a moveable reflector, which is attached to and moves with the diaphragm, are disposed in the optical path between the input and output optical fibers and reflect at least a portion of the input light from the input optical fiber to the output optical fiber. The amount of light reflected depends upon the deflection of the diaphragm. A system for monitoring and controlling the light source, including an optical detector in a feedback arrangement, is provided such that the amount of light generated by the light source remains constant and maximized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compression load cell used to monitor pressure in a diapragm cassette pumping system. A plunger is axially slidable in a linear bearing and has a first end in contact with the cassette and the second end in contact with the load cell. The force signals have a direct relationship with the pressure in the cassette.

Abstract: A resistive strain gauge pressure sensor including upper and lower housings coacting to define a pressure chamber within the housing. A board member assembly 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. The board member assembly includes a relatively thin plate member, including a diaphragm portion, and a relatively thick support member bonded to the upper face of the thin plate member and including an annular portion positioned in surrounding relation to the diaphragm portion. The circuitry of the sensor is screen printed onto the lower face of the plate member and includes 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.