Abstract: A seal assembly includes first and second segments spaced from a frame and defining between each other an elongate lateral gap. A plurality of radially adjoining leaf seals bridge the lateral gap between the segments and are supported by a plurality of spaced apart pins, with each pin having an enlarged head on one side of the frame and a root on an opposite side of the frame fixedly joined to a bottom one of the leaf seals. A compression spring is disposed around each of the pins between the frame and a top one of the leaf seals for urging the top leaf seal toward the bottom leaf seal to seal flow radially therebetween and between adjacent support pins, and for urging the bottom leaf seal in sealing contact with the first and second segments to seal flow radially therebetween through the lateral gap.

Abstract: An electromagnetic thruster for marine vehicles using a jet of water driven by the interaction of a mutually perpendicular intensified magnetic field and an intensified electric field is disclosed. The intensified magnetic field is produced by superconducting coils cooled by a coolant such as liquid helium. An intensified electric field is produced by passing high amperage current across the seawater jet. These interacting fields produce a Lorentz force perpendicular to mutually perpendicular electric and magnetic field vectors which is used to drive the seawater jet. In some embodiments, the force may also be used to draw water into the jet from the boundary layer flow around the vehicle thereby reducing boundary layer turbulence and associated radiated noise.

Abstract: A scramjet engine for powering an aircraft at supersonic velocities is disclosed. The scramjet engine includes supersonic compressed airflow in a combustor along with a fuel for providing combustion. A monopropellant is also supplied adjacent to the airflow and fuel. The monopropellant is effective for expanding in the combustor for mixing the airflow and the fuel for the combustion of the airflow and fuel for generating combustion gases. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the monopropellant is hydrazine and is effective for obtaining a specific volumetric increase of about 20,000:1.

Abstract: A secondary air supplier supplies secondary air to an exhaust passage, when an engine is in a predetermined condition. An oxygen sensor detects the air-fuel ratio (A/F) in the exhaust gas. The air-fuel ratio indicates either a rich condition or a lean condition. When the engine is cold, a time counter measures a lean period of time, while secondary air is supplied. When the lean period exceeds a predetermined period of time, a diagnostic system determines that the secondary air supplier is functioning properly. If the oxygen sensor detects that the ratio (A/F) indicates a rich condition during the diagnosis, then the time counter stops measuring the lean period, with keeping the total measured lean period. When the engine is hot, the ratio of the lean period to a predetermined period for the secondary air supply could be smaller than a predetermined ratio, and the diagnostic system determines that the air supplier is malfunctioning.

Abstract: A system for integrating air injection and exhaust gas recirculation in the internal combustion engines of vehicles, such as in a contemporary automobile or truck. The integration system includes conduit members connecting a source of pressurized ambient air with the exhaust system of the engine, to supply the ambient air into the exhaust system during deceleration. A flow control member prevents the flow of the exhaust gases backward along the conduit members toward the pressurized air source, during acceleration or cruising to promote flow of the exhaust gases through the EGR valve and into the intake system of the engine.

Abstract: A power unit for a conduit cleaner. The conduit cleaner has a motor with a housing carrying a shaft that is rotatable about an axis. The motor operates in response to the introduction of a pressurized fluid. The housing has inlets for admitting pressurized fluid and an outlet to permit the discharge thereof. A nozzle is connected to the housing and is configured to direct fluid from a pressurized supply to the housing inlet and direct fluid discharged from the outlet out of the power unit. The nozzle has a substantially cylindrical outer surface. In one form, the nozzle does not project beyond the cylindrical outer surface. Accordingly, a compact unit can be made according to the present invention. The absence of radially projecting structure also avoids protrusions that may intercept roots or other foreign matter within a conduit and thereby interrupt free movement of the conduit cleaner through a conduit.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for construction machines with an improved pressure compensating valve assembly comprising a first directional control valve (3, 5, 7) of closed center type connected in series with a second directional control valve (12) of open center type.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the pressure of working fluid provided to the load or user via a hydraulically actuatable control valve is provided. The apparatus includes a comparator that compares a given or desired control pressure for the control valve with the predominant present load pressure. The resulting pressure differential is used to re-adjust the control valve or to re-adjust a pressure compensator positioned upstream of the control valve with respect to the direction of the flow of working fluid flowing to the user.

Abstract: In a valve mechanism for controlling oil pressure in an oil path (13) connecting between a hydraulic pump (11) and motor (12) of a hydrostatic transmission (10), a differential piston (23) serving as a relief valve member for gradually increasing the oil pressure has a larger pressure-applied surface area at the side opposite to the oil path than at the side of this path. A throttled oil passage (24) is provided for conducting oil pressure in the path to the larger surface area. The piston is biased by a valve spring (25) through a control piston (26). A receiving member (27) for the spring and a stopper member (28) for the control piston are provided such that they are adjustable in position independently of each other. By this, the manner of increasing the oil pressure may be adjusted in a large variety. The valve mechanism also serves as a relief valve for excluding a possible, excessively high pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides for two separate hydraulic systems ran from a single diesel engine wherein one of the hydraulic systems is in the raised platform and the second hydraulic system is on the lower platform rotatable relative to the raised platform.

Abstract: A swash-plate plunger-type hydraulic device has a cylinder block with a plurality of plungers slidably fitted in cylinder bores, a swash plate confronting one end of the cylinder block, and a distribution valve plate slidably held against the other end of the cylinder block. The cylinder block has an odd number of circularly arrayed connecting ports communicating with the cylinder bores and opening at the other end thereof. The distribution valve plate has inlet and outlet ports. The cylinder block is rotatable through an angular displacement .theta.1 in which the hydraulic pressure in one connecting port between the inlet and outlet ports increases from a lower pressure to a higher pressure, through an angular displacement .theta.2 in which the hydraulic pressure in one connecting port between the inlet and output ports decreases from the higher pressure to the lower pressure, and through an angular displacement .theta.

Abstract: A connector 5 having an outlet 4 for delivering a pressure oil to a power steering apparatus PS is secured in an opening of a valve receiving bore 2 in which a flow controlling spool valve 3 is received. The connector 5 includes an axial bore 5a which continues from the outlet 4 and in which a valve sleeve 10 is slidably fitted. The valve sleeve 10 has pressure oil passages 11, 12 therein in which orifices 13, 14, 15 are formed, and pressure differentials thereacross are utilized to operate the spool valve 3 in order to return an excess amount of flow. At its outer end, the valve sleeve 10 is formed with a flange 10b, and a restriction 20 is defined between the outer peripheral surface of the flange 10b and the internal peripheral surface of the valve receiving bore 2 for restricting the flow rate of the pressure oil. A pressure differential developed across the restriction 20 is effective to move the valve sleeve 10 to control the orifices 14, 15 so that the latter may be reduced.

Abstract: A displacement magnifying device for magnifying the displacement of a piezoelectric element according to an applied voltage, is applied to a vibration absorber and an actuator. The device includes a member for supporting the element, a first elastic sealing member forming part of a sealed chamber containing a non-compressible fluid which moves together with the other end of the element, a second elastic sealing member also forming part of the chamber, and a displacement transmitting member connected to the second sealing member. Preferably, the first sealing member is a diaphragm and the second sealing member is a bellows. By setting the volume change of the chamber per unit displacement of the first sealing member to be larger than the volume change of the chamber per unit displacement of the second sealing member, the displacement of the piezoelectric element is magnified and transmitted to the displacement transmitting member.

Abstract: A turbocharged or supercharged engine is provided with a vacuum actuated control device for an exhaust gas recirculation valve. A venturi throat in the engine air intake passage generates a vacuum in response to air flow through the throat. The vacuum is varied according to variations in the air flow rate throughout the throat, such that the vacuum can be applied to a piston for adjusting the position of a metering valve in an exhaust gas recirculation passage. The vacuum controlled valve enables the gas recirculation rate to be varied as a function of the air flow rate through the engine air intake passage.

Abstract: A method for improving operational efficiency of a partial-arc steam turbine power plant during power output variations by dynamically adjusting valve point values during turbine operation. Impulse chamber pressure at each of a plurality of valve points is first determined during operation of the steam turbine at constant pressure. For each adjacent pair of valve points, an optimum constant pressure transition point pressure for transitioning from one to the other of the sliding pressure mode and constant pressure mode is then computed. The optimum constant pressure transition point pressure for each pair of valve points is converted to a corresponding percentage of the pressure difference between the adjacent pairs of valve points. The impulse chamber pressure at each valve point is then used to calculate a corresponding impulse chamber pressure for transitioning from the one mode to the other mode based upon the percentage pressure difference.

Abstract: A liquid fuel power plant (100) including an open-ended combustion chamber (102) and a first mechanism (110) for delivering a combustible fuel to the open-ended combustion chamber (102). A second mechanism (136) is included for igniting the fuel in the open-ended combustion chamber (102). A folded tubular mechanism (140) is provided for extending the length of the combustion chamber (102) to decompose the ignited fuel and to provide an exhaust gas comprised of fundamental elements. Finally, a third mechanism (160) is provided for using the exhaust gas to perform useful work. In a preferred embodiment the liquid fuel power plant (100) includes separate fuel and air inlet lines (110, 120). The air inlet line (120) delivers compressed air, which can be preheated, in an air passageway (130) and thereafter is mixed with the combustible fuel in the open-ended combustion chamber (102). An igniter (136) causes combustion of a compressed air-fuel mixture in an ignition region (118) of the combustion chamber (102).

Abstract: A device operates a swirling device which controls the flow rate of combustion air of a burner for gas turbine engines. At the head end of a combustion chamber, a ring body which is arranged coaxially with respect to the fuel nozzle is to have swirling ducts whose cross-sections are controllable by duct walls of a ring which is axially displaceable on the ring body. The axial displacement of the ring is to take place by means of a control piston which is axially displaceable in a housing, is spring-loaded on one side, is also actuated by a valve-controlled pressure difference existing on the spring side between an ambient pressure and a primary air pressure, controls openings communicating with the valve and the head end of the combustion chamber, and is acted upon on piston surfaces, which are free with respect to the housing, on the one side, by a pressure of supplied primary air existing at the head end and, on the other side, by the chamber pressure existing at the burner.

Abstract: A 250 watt cryocooler employs a Stirling cycle and is capable of maintaining a constant temperature of 77.degree. K. while fitting a standard electronic equipment rack.

Abstract: A collection vessel and method of collecting gaseous and liquid phase collectible materials utilizes introduction of the collectible material directly into a liquid cryogenic material to provide complete condensation and a liquid-filled trap for collected gases within the liquid cryogenic material. This trap effectively eliminates escape of collected gases even though evaporated cryogenic materials may be vented and the collection vessel operated at atmospheric pressure. The performance of the vessel is thus improved and no freezing of the collected gases occurs at the inlet due to the warming of the inlet structure by the material being collected. Therefore, the collection of gases may be done at high speed and with simplified equipment. Completeness of condensation is assured by the use of a baffle of a preferably collapsible construction for retaining gases within the liquid cryogenic material until condensation is complete.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the purification of hydrogen by cryogenic treatment of a gas containing also nitrogen oxides and unsaturated hydrocarbons as two types of constituents which react together in an undesirable fashion when cooling achieves an intermediate temperature higher than the low temperature of the treatment. The process comprises cooling the gas to a first temperature higher than that intermediate temperature; eliminating from the gas one of the two types of constituents at this first temperature; and continuing the cooling of the gas to the low temperature. The elimination of one type of component is effected by washing the gas with a liquid adapted to dissolve it. This liquid contains at least one saturated hydrocarbon and is obtained by a partial condensation of an auxiliary gas which contains at least one of hydrogen and a heavy constituent whose value can be increased.

Abstract: A column for production of nitrogen by the distillation of air, adapted to produce high purity nitrogen at its head, is associated with an external source of medium purity liquid nitrogen that is fitted with a device for the liquid phase adsorption of carbon monoxide, and with a reservoir for the storage of high purity liquid nitrogen. The column produces medium purity gaseous nitrogen and high purity gaseous nitrogen by direct withdrawals, optionally supplemented by vaporization of liquid nitrogen.

Abstract: A cold head sleeve and superconducting lead assembly including a cryocooler and a tube operatively connected to the cryocooler. A first and second heat station are operatively connected to the cryocooler with a magnet cartridge operatively connected to the first heat station and a thermal shield operatively connected to the second heat station. A thermal connector is operatively connected to the magnet cartridge and thermal shield, and a superconducting lead is operatively connected to the thermal connector.

Abstract: An underground storage system for storing natural gas at a vehicular fueling center which dispenses natural gas to natural gas powered vehicles. Compressed gas is stored in tubes positioned vertically in an elongate casing. The ground hole may be drilled using a conventional water well drilling rig and conventional water well casing and well head may be used to house the storage tubes. The tubes contain the natural gas under about 8,000 psi, which provides a much more rapid dispensing rate. The underground place of the storage tubes is safer than conventional above ground storage systems, as the pressurized containers are insulated by the surrounding earth. Moreover, with the storage tubes underground, vandalism is discouraged and the overall appearance of the fueling center is improved. Because the storage tubes contain large volumes of gas at high pressures, a low power compressor can be used. The low power compressor is inexpensive to operate and maintain and is relatively quiet.

Abstract: A cryopump includes a sloped draining surface for receiving liquids released from cyropumping surfaces. The liquids are collected in an exhaust port and released outside the cryopump vacuum vessel. A pressure relief valve coupled to the exhaust port exhausts gases released by the pumping surfaces after warming. The cryopump further includes a drain filter assembly connected to the exhaust port for collecting debris and removing liquid that is released from the cryopumping surfaces. A purge gas tube facilitates the removal of large quantities of liquid in the cryopump.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing an undesirable release of fluid from a conduit upon disconnection of the conduit. In a specific form of the invention, the apparatus includes a hose having a slide valve located therein adjacent an end of the hose for preventing the escape of liquids or gases, especially refrigerants, to the environment. The slide valve includes a substantially cylindrically shaped nipple having first and second bores extending axially therethrough, the first and second bores being divided and bounded by an integral wall of the nipple. The nipple includes a plurality of ports adjacent the integral wall which provide passages through the nipple to provide fluid communication between the first and second bores. A sleeve member is slidable disposed around the nipple and contains seals for providing a gas-tight and/or liquid-tight interface between the sleeve and the nipple.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovering apparatus for cooling equipment having a compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser having a relief valve thereon, the apparatus comprising a chamber having connecting means to the relief valve at one end and connecting means to the compressor at the other end; means on the chamber for conveying the collected refrigerant therein to the compressor; and means for deactivating the compressor upon a predetermined refrigerant pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: A refrigeration control system is disclosed for operating a refrigeration system in a very efficient manner by controlling the refrigerant pressure in the refrigerant line between the liquid receiver and the evaporator at a pressure which is just above that at which bubbles ("flashgas") occur. An electronic sight glass is used to detect such flashgas bubbles in that liquid refrigerant line thereby indicating that more cooling capacity is required to properly operate the refrigeration system. The system controller can efficiently control various refrigeration components such that the electrical power drawn by the compressor motor is at an optimal or near-optimal rate of consumption at any given cooling requirement within the refrigeration system's cooling capacity. Some of the devices that can be controlled by the system controller include condenser fans, pressure control valves, reciprocating compressors, and screw compressors.

Abstract: An air conditioning system uses heat-pipes in combination with a cooling coil to increase either the dehumidification capacity or the efficiency and capacity of an air-conditioning system. In the dehumidification mode, the secondary cooling coil is inactive, and the heat pipes operate as a heat exchanger between the warm return air and the cold supply air of the air conditioning system to precool the return air and reheat the supply air, increasing the latent capacity of the main cooling coil. In the efficiency and capacity boosting mode, the secondary cooling coil is activated by introducing a portion of the cooling fluid from the air-conditioning system. This results in a neutralization of the effect of the heat pipes as well as an increase in effective heat-exchange area between the cooling fluid and the air, therefore produces an increase in the capacity of the system.

Abstract: A dual-adsorber cooling system for an automobile has a pair of adsorbers, a cooling vessel, a pair of absorbate outgoing passages extending from the cooling vessel to each of the adsorbers individually, a common adsorbate return passage, a condenser, and a condensation passage. A bypass passage enables the two adsorbers to directly communicate each other to exchange heat. The adsorbers are opposingly disposed with an intervening plenum therebetween. The engine exhaust gas is introduced to the central plenum, and the external air is guided to the central plenum through the adsorbing adsorber so that a blend of the exhaust gas and the air is directed to the desorbing adsorber in the plenum, whereby the adsorbing adsorber is cooled and the desorbing adsorber is heated up. The amount of the external air taken can be controlled according to the amount of the exhaust gas. A process switchover controller can adjust the process cycle period according to the temperature of the exhaust gas.

Abstract: An air conditioning system includes a compressor, and indoor and outdoor heat exchangers. During a heating cycle, when the refrigerant exiting the outdoor heating exchanger comprises a mixture of gaseous and liquid refrigerant, that mixture is passed through an accumulator in which the flow speed of the refrigerant is reduced, and in which the refrigerant is heated to convert the liquid refrigerant to gaseous refrigerant.

Abstract: A sinker mechanism for a flat knitting machine having at least one front needle bed and one rear needle bed, is provided with a row of sinker assemblies, each sinker assembly having a needle plate, a swingable sinker next to a front region of the needle plate, and a yarn guide sheet fixedly mounted to a needle bed, the swingable sinker having at front end a yarn holding portion, the yarn guide sheet having at front end a yarn guide edge, and when the swingable sinker turns forward with its yarn holding portion moving down, the yarn guide edge of the yarn guide sheet comes above the yarn holding portion of the swingable sinker and projects outwardly of the front end of the sinker towards an intermediate position between the front ends of the opposite needle beds.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a rotational tub, a single-phase induction motor driving the rotational tub in a dehydrating operation and having a main and an auxiliary coils, a speed detector for detecting a speed of the motor, thereby generating a detection signal, and an output changeover device for changing between an operation mode in which both of the main and auxiliary coils are excited and the other operation mode in which either the main or auxiliary coil is excited. When the motor speed is increased in the dehydrating operation, a control circuit controls the motor in a feedback manner. More specifically, in low and medium speed ranges, the control circuit executes a control pattern in which both of the main and auxiliary coils are excited and selectively executes another control pattern in which only the auxiliary coil is excited when necessary.

Abstract: A conventional tunnel-type continuous batch washer is modified for use as a commercial bleaching machine by (1) lowering the rotational oscillation angle and speed of the machine's inner drum structure relative to its normal washing settings; (2) altering the water counterflow positioning and characteristics; (3) maintaining the water in the various inner drum section modules at essentially identical, relatively high levels; and (4) modifying the bath temperature characteristics of the machine. When utilized as a commercial bleaching machine the modified tunnel washer has a bleach zone disposed at its inlet end and into which a hydrogen peroxide bleaching solution is injected, a finish zone disposed at its outlet end and into which a softening agent is injected, and a water-only rinse zone positioned between the bleach and finish zones. Each of these three zones is defined by one or more inner drum structure modules which may be tandem or single batch modules.

Abstract: A U-lock includes a detachable header with extensions that fit around the arras of the U-bar and extend along the length of those arms to provide strength to the U-lock. The header can be used so that its base is locked at the end of the arms of the U-shaped bar or it can be inverted when locking smaller objects so that its base is locked along the lengths of the arms taking up some of the gap between the locked object and the base of the header. The header is locked to the arms of the U-shaped bar by a locking mechanism which secures the header to the arms of the U-shaped bar in four different places, two on each arm. The U-lock and header with extensions can also be used in combination with security spacers for further security.

Abstract: A lightweight vehicle immobilization device useful to prevent theft of a vehicle or to prevent driving of said vehicle by its owner having a hub shield, an adjustable arm, a upper arm and a lower arm, each of said arms having ends which are adapted to traverse the tread of a tire of said vehicle and engage the inside of said tire so as to prevent removal of said device when said device is adjusted to the circumference of said tire; the improvement comprising means on said hub shield to limit the degree of outward rotation of said upper and lower arm to about 120 degrees when engaged on said tire, and a wedge shaped member having two surfaces which are about 120 degrees from each other, said wedge shaped member adapted to slide on said adjustable arm and, when locked in position, functioning to prevent inward rotation of said upper arm and said lower arm and to prevent movement of said adjustable arm.

Abstract: A vehicle security device (20) is disclosed to inhibit movement of a steering wheel (30) by abutment with the vehicle interior. The device includes angular, radial and axial adjustments between a pair of members (22, 24) to optimize interference with the vehicle interior and to facilitate installation and removal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a power output of an engine of a crawler vehicle; such as, large sized bulldozers, at a time when shoe slip of such crawler vehicle occurs in operation, the crawler vehicle being provided with working equipments; such as, dozing units or blades, ripping units or rippers or the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to an adaptive engine power output mode setting method for automatically keeping the engine of the crawler vehicle in an optimum power output condition according to rates of the shoe slip or shoe slip rates of the crawler vehicle.

Abstract: A truing operation for straightening out of true work pieces such as crankshafts, must not again reduce the fatigue strength of the work piece achieved in a previous strengthening operation. This is achieved by a truing operation, wherein locally bounded compressive residual stresses are induced in a surface layer zone of the work piece by a hardening operation, whereby the respective out of true deformation of the work piece is at least reduced. The truing operation is repeated until the out of true deformation is eliminated. The compressive residual stresses are induced in a surface layer zone of the work piece by a locally limited hardening operation, e.g. a surface strengthening rolling operation. By appropriately varying the extent of hardening or the rolling force respectively, any out of true deformation may be even completely eliminated. A machine for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Described is a spatial uncoiling and stretch-bending process in combination with a mandrel bending station and the corresponding apparatus, in which the section being bent is first clamped at either end and prestressed and the section is then bent, with at least one section roller being pressed against the section in the forming zone and three-dimensionally repositioned. To also permit the bending of closed or partially open sections, the invention provides that the mandrel bending station, with the mandrel or mandrels around which the section is bent, move in agreement with the motion of the section rollers, which are pressed from the outside onto the mandrel bending station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for crushing a portion of a corrugated plate in a selected area of the corrugations without blocking the grooves. In accordance with the method teeth are inserted into grooves on opposite sides of the corrugated plate and the corrugation ridges associated with such grooves are, axially adjacent such insertion, crushed to a predetermined thickness. The teeth are then withdrawn, the corrugated plate is indexed a desired number of ridges/grooves and the die members are again engaged with the opposite sides of the plate. The apparatus for crushing a plate includes a frame for supporting the plate, a feed apparatus for moving the plate at the desired time in the desired direction, and a forming apparatus for crushing plate ridges in a zone and obstructing, in a transition zone between the crushed ridges and the uncrushed ridges, ridge transverse movement into adjacent grooves.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a bull nose to adjacent dry wall panels, the apparatus comprising an elongated channel member having a bull nose application surface defined by a central, partially curved portion intersected by a pair of mutually perpendicular flat side portions, the channel member including a pair of transversely disposed slots proximal to one end thereof in which a pair of opposed crimping members are situated and pivotally attached to the channel member for rotation between a first, stored position and a second, crimping position, the crimping members each including a specially configured cutting surface defined by a curved planform having a compound curvature which tapers to a knife edge along symmetrical radii in, the apparatus further including a linkage mechanism attached tot he crimping members for reciprocating, the crimping members between the aforementioned first and second positions, respective, the linkage mechanism comprising a spring loaded anvil member which may be struck by a hammer

Abstract: A cylindrical workpiece prepared by drawing a sheet-like blank of austenite stainless steel is ironed in the axial direction in one step or in successive first and second steps. When the ironing operation is effected in one step, the wall thickness reduction percent is selected within a range of 35-45%. When the workpiece is ironed in the two steps, the first step is effected with the wall thickness reduction percent not exceeding 35%, while the second step is effected with the wall thickness reduction percent selected within a range of 35-45%.

Abstract: Process for flattening the end sections of a tube. The end section is given a preparatory treatment such that two recesses or notches lying opposite one another are made in the tube wall. The tube wall is then pressed together so that the fold lines run through the recesses.

Abstract: A sheet metal drawing equipment capable of rapidly and positively carrying out sheet metal drawing without skill and effectively smoothing a surface of a sheet metal material. The equipment includes a first operation mechanism provided with at a distal end thereof with a bit weldable to a surface of a sheet metal material to be drawn, a second operation mechanism manually operated to pull up the first operation mechanism, and a leg structure for supporting the second operation mechanism. The second operation mechanism includes a support section for rotatably supporting the first operation mechanism.

Abstract: A spark-excited fluorescence sensor (10) is provided which enables monitoring of various gas species (14), such as H.sub.2, CO.sub.x, NO.sub.x, N2, NH.sub.x and hydrocarbons added to a system as source fuels and/or additive agents, or discharged from a system as exhaust including pollutants, for more efficient use of fuels for optimizing performance of the system, and, also, for reducing pollutants in the atmosphere. The spark-excited fluorescence sensor of the invention comprises a spark plug (12) to excite molecules of the gaseous species, an optical fiber window (18) and an optical fiber bundle (20) to collect and transmit, respectively, the fluorescence, bandpass filters ( 24 ) to select predetermined wavelengths corresponding to the gases to be detected, detectors (26), and signal processor (28 ) . The output from the signal processor is then used to improve overall performance of the system.

Abstract: A gauging system includes a source of pressurized fluid, one or more fluid outlet means, each including a fluid line connecting the source of pressurized fluid with a fluid orifice that is located to measure small gaps and distances between the elements of a machine or die, and one or more pressure transducers connected to measure the pressure in each fluid line. One or more adjustable valves are provided between the source of pressurized fluid and each fluid line. A computer measures the transducer output to determine the distance between mold elements. The valve or valves include a threaded male member having an inlet at one end and a frustoconical surface with openings passing through it at the other, and a threaded female member having a channel in one end and an outlet in the other joined by another frustoconical surface.

Abstract: The circuit arrangement for detecting and evaluating knocking in an internal combustion engine includes a knock sensor located in the internal combustion engine to generate a knock sensor signal having knock signal frequency components of differing knock signal frequencies; an oscillator producing a constant frequency oscillator signal; a mixer stage producing a mixed signal including mixed signal frequency components of various mixed signal frequencies which are less than the corresponding knock signal frequencies of the knock sensor signal, the mixer stage being connected to receive the constant frequency oscillator signal and the knock sensor signal; a level stabilizing circuit for adjusting an amplitude of the knock sensor signal to a constant amplitude level despite changes in an operating state of the internal combustion engine, the level stabilizing circuit connecting the knock sensor and the mixer stage; a filter circuit connected to the mixer stage to filter the mixed signal and form a filtered mixed

Abstract: A pipeline system is provided for a pumping system for fluid products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel and chemicals, and including a pump for pumping such products from a storage tank through through the primary pipeline of the pipeline system to a product dispenser. The pipeline system includes a secondary containment system for the primary pipeline between the tank and dispenser which includes telescoping pipe sections of different diameters. The telescoping piping is installed around the primary pipeline and the pipe sections are, prior to final installation, movable between intermediate and final positions, for enabling completion, testing and inspection of the primary pipeline prior to final completion of the secondary containment system. One section of the telescoping piping is a flexible corrugated pipe which is able to bend around elbows. Compression seals and ring clamps are used to connect the components together.

Abstract: A method and test chamber for leak testing a container with a substantially flexible wall portion wherein the container is introduced into a test cavity so that the wall portion of the container is spaced from an inner adjacent wall portion of the test cavity with a gap being defined between the wall portion of the cavity and the flexible wall portion of the container. A pressure difference is installed as an initial value between the interior of the container and at least the gap by applying a pressure at least to the gap which is smaller than a pressure inside the container. The flexible wall portion is supported form its exterior side within the test cavity so as to prevent the flexible wall portion from bending outwardly into contact with the wall portion of the test cavity as a result of the pressure difference. The time course of a pressure prevailing within the gap is measured as a leak indicative signal.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for leak testing a package. The method includes placing a sheet-like and airtight wrapper around a part of the package liable to leakage, e.g. a closing element. Applying a higher pressure to the outside than to the inside of the wrapper for causing the wrapper to fit closely around the part of the package and for hermetically sealing the wrapper from a part of the package outside the part to be tested. Sealing the measuring space between the enveloped part of the package and the wrapper pressed against it from the surrounding space by applying a measuring pressure in the closed measuring space which is different from the pressure then prevailing in the package, and for measuring the change of pressure in the closed measuring space for a determined measuring time.