Abstract: The invention consists of a cooling system which can be powered by solar energy, utilizing solar flat plate collectors. Water, the boiling point of which has been lowered by an air vacuum, is used as a refrigerant instead of freon. The water boils at low temperature in sealed air evacuated heat exchange coils and removes heat from the environment. A solar differential temperature engine is modified to include a pump mechanism. The pump is used to transfer the vapor, generated by the boiling of the low boiling point water in the heat exchange coils, from the coils to the chambers of the differential temperature engine. The vapor then re-condenses into a liquid, without a compressor, through the differential temperature between the chambers of the engine. The re-condensed liquid then returns spontaneously to the heat exchange coils by force of gravity. The cooling system may likewise operate through house hold electic power on a standby or permenant basis.

Abstract: A method and system for the recovery of refrigerant from a refrigeration system includes a consumable heat sink for rapidly reducing the temperature of a holding vessel to the saturation temperature of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant can be rapidly recovered without requiring a pump or compressor; and as the refrigerant is being recovered can be filtered to remove any contaminants. Provision is also made for expansion volume of the refrigerant during warm-up.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for recovering high-pressure CFC refrigerants in vapor form includes a removable tank for receiving and storing the liquefied refrigerant to be recovered and two refrigeration circuits. The first refrigerant circuit processes the refrigerant to be recovered and includes a compressor and a condenser. The removable tank acts as the evaporator of the first refrigeration circuit. The second refrigeration circuit is included to cool both the condenser of the first refrigeration circuit and the removable tank. This second refrigeration circuit includes a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator, and contains a second refrigerant physically isolated from the refrigerant to be recovered. Both the condenser of the first refrigeration circuit and the evaporator of the second refrigeration circuit are preferably coil shaped, with the condenser coil preferably coaxially arranged within the evaporator coil.

Abstract: A distillation system, particularly useful for the cryogenic distillation of feed air, employing a first column and a partitioned second column whereby three separate product streams may be withdrawn from the partitioned column.

Abstract: First and second refrigerating circuits respectively cause first and second adsorbing bodies to alternately adsorb and release first and second coolants. In the first refrigerating circuit, when the first adsorbing body is heated, it releases the first coolant. The released first coolant is cooled, and discharged through an expansion valve so that a part of the first coolant is liquefied. The resultant latent heat of vaporization can be utilized to cool an object to be cooled. Thereafter, the first coolant is adsorbed when the first adsorbing body is cooled. In the second refrigerating circuit, when the second adsorbing body is heated, it releases the second coolant. The released second coolant is cooled by a liquefied-gas-type cooler, and discharged through an expansion valve so that a part of the second coolant is liquefied. The resultant latent heat of vaporization is utilized to cool the first adsorbing body of the first refrigerating circuit.

Abstract: A cryostat housing an ultra-low temperature medium includes a container for storing the ultra-low temperature medium, a pipe for communication between the inner and outer sections of the container, at least one tubular member interposedly arranged inside the pipe between the pipe and an opening, a heat anchor section for cooling the pipe, and a plate-shaped member positioned so that a gas layer of the ultra-low temperature medium inside the tubular member divides the tubular member longitudinally.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for initially freezing a first exterior surface of a product such as a food product. The product is then supported on a perforated conveyor belt with the frozen first exterior surface in contact with the conveyor belt. The product is then further frozen and processed. Because the frozen surface of the product is hard, it does not conform to the surface contours of the belt and the unmarred visual appearance of the product is maintained. In addition, the frozen surface of the product is more easily removed from the belt after complete freezing and damage to the product is less likely to occur during removal of the belt.

Abstract: A hermetic compressor including a vibration damper situated around the outside of the compressor housing. The vibration damper is constructed from a length of wire wrapped around the housing to form a plurality of windings each winding in contact simultaneously with an adjacent one and the housing. The wire is wrapped about portions of the housing having the highest acceleration and vibration production potential. Alternatively, the windings may be formed of separate wires connected to a bracket and, further, more than one layer of windings of the equal or different diameters is possible.

Abstract: A high performance, low cost, regenerator/heat exchanger matrix or bed. The bed consists of numerous stretched elastomer sheets separated by spacers and stacked. The resulting matrix is of the parallel plate type with high porosity, and narrow, uniform, unobstructed channels. The bed is ideal for near room temperature regenerator applications. The bed may also be used to pump heat or refrigerate, when fitted with a mechanism which allows the stretch of the elastomer sheets to be rapidly increased and decreased periodically.

Abstract: A refrigeration and heating system has been made in which improved efficiencies are obtained by placing helical concentric coils of at least two generators (80 and 81) and recuperators (86 and 95) on a common axis (232) with a heating unit (84) at the center and allowing the hot combustion gases (245) to circulate in serpentine fashion through separate concentric chambers containing the coils. Further efficiencies are obtained by placing an absorber (97), condenser (100) and recuperator (107) in a single module (270) and by using tube-in-tube or tube-in-cylinder construction with fluted inner tubes. A general purpose, divided-flow, tube-in-cylinder, heat-transfer device (400) is used to reduce the pressure drop in the circulating fluid.

Abstract: A gem setting comprised of a plurality of interconnected links. Each link has a male end at each end, an opening for receiving and holding a gem stone therein, and an apertured raised portion forming a platform for setting the base of the gem stone when assembled. A rimmed embossment presses over the top edge of the gem stone holding it securely in place. The embossment, along with a plurality of prongs, secures the gem stone in place. A female opening is provided in each link between the gem opening and the raised portion. In assembling, the male ends of one link are grasped together, the gem stone being disposed in the opening with the raised portion abutting against the base thereof, the base of the stone entering the aperture in the raised portion, and inserted into the female opening, then turned to lock one link to another forming the setting.

Abstract: In an earring for the stimulation of acupuncture points and lines present in the human outer ear which consists of an open-ended annular body of a plastic material having a front end adapted to be received in the outer ear cavity of a wearer and a rear end abutting the rear surface of the outer ear wherein the areas in contact with the outer ear are electrically interconnected and consist of materials which in accordance with their locations in the electrochemical voltage series, provide for a potential and current flow thereacross for the stimulation of the acupuncture points and lines in the outer ear of the wearer of such an earring.

Abstract: A warp knit net fabric is disclosed in which the number of stitches in each leg and in each join of a diamond pattern is varied to vary the size of the openings defined by the legs. An array of yarn ends are knit on a Raschel warp knitting machine and the formation of stitches of the legs is driven from one pattern chain drum and the formation of stitches of the joins is driven from another pattern chain drum. Switching from drum to drum is accomplished by a programmable controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for space dyeing a plurality of strands of yarns which are fed over a series of dye applicator rolls. Each roll is rotated in a partly submerged condition in a dye pan containing a different color. Above and offset relative to each dye applicator roll is a yarn pattern roll which carries a number of slats in a circumferential array extending beyond the periphery of the pattern rolls for contacting the yarn strands. The slats sequentially engage and deflect the yarn strands onto the surface of the respective dye applicator rolls. The slats may be positioned in selected slots in the pattern rolls to determine the pattern of color applied to the yarn. Variable speed drives rotate the dye applicator rolls and the pattern rolls independently of each other to effect the spacing of the colors and the amount of dye received by the yarn strands.

Abstract: A security lock for doors of dwellings, gates and the like comprises a pump-type locking mechanism for operating a bolt, and a double-bit locking mechanism for locking the pump mechanism in its locking condition. The lock preferably has both a key which can operate only the pump mechanism and a key which can operate both mechanisms. A cover made of plastics material is associated with the key and can be fitted onto the operative portion of the key in order to protect its teeth against dirt and against the risk of breakage as a result of the key being dropped.

Abstract: A quick release hub for bicycles has a fastener which is protected against theft. In the quick release hub a clamping element is axially displaceable by a pivotable eccentric bolt. The actuation of the eccentric bolt takes place with an insertable lever. A security device against theft is provided such that a lock locks or releases as desired the opening of the eccentric bolt for insertion of the lever.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic card lock with key card which can be inserted into an insertion shaft with gripping opening, the key card being first insertable up to a first stop position, and in which position the key code is requested, and thereupon displaceable by an actuation distance up into the second stop position; in order to obtain a solution which is particularly easily manipulated, it proposes that the broad surface of the key card on its end facing away from the direction of insertion have a visibly differentiated first partial surface (100) which fills up the surface of the gripping opening (107) and is visible in the second stop position.

Abstract: A locking system is provided for doors with a bolt unit installed on the inside and a control unit installed on the outside of the door. The bolt unit has a casing enclosing a bolt displaceable between a projected, locking position and a withdrawn, unlocking position. A solenoid device has an armature being displaceable between electromagnetically induced attracted and repelled positions. Linkage means are coupled between the armature and the bolt to drive the bolt between the unlocking and locking positions, respectively. A pass code may be entered into the control unit, and in response, a solenoid may be actuated by a current pulse into the unlocked position of the bolt. In addition, a reverse current pulse actuates the solenoid into a locked position of the bolt.

Abstract: A lock cylinder which can be actuated from one side by a knob and from the opposite side by a key, has a locking-member hub and a cylinder core which has tumblers adapted to be positioned by the key. A free passage is provided between a coupling member and a locking-member hub so that the coupling member entrains the locking-member hub only in one direction of rotation and can be freely turned back from the entrainment end position.

Abstract: A system for identifying, carrying and storing keys including a portable holder having a body with a central portion and outer peripheral edge. The body includes at least one receptacle extending from the outer peripheral edge toward the central portion. The receptacle includes a bore and a locking shoulder within the bore. The system includes at least one insert configured to be insertable into and removed from a receptacle. The insert includes a member engaging the locking shoulder so as to lock the insert in the receptacle. An element for coupling at least one key to the insert is also provided.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a die-cushion apparatus of a press machine capable of performing a preliminary acceleration imparted to a die-cushion pad following the lowering of a slide with an exact timing and high precision and being improved so as to eliminate a pressure deviation between an actual pressure in a hydraulic cylinder and a preliminarily set aimed value at a portion near a lower dead point of the slide stroke.

Abstract: A method for generating an underliquid shock pressure comprises the steps of igniting a combustible mixture gas to form detonation waves, imploding the detonation waves in their advancing direction, propagating a pressure obtained by imploding the detonation waves to a liquid, and converting the pressure to an underliquid pressure which is applied to a workpiece. The pressure obtained by imploding the detonation waves may be applied directly to an elastic rubber body, thus converting the pressure to an underelastomer shock pressure, which is then applied to the workpiece via the elastic body.

Abstract: A method of forming an elongated box shape tubular frame member from a round tube includes the steps of: providing a lower die member having a cavity submerged substantially below the top surface of the lower die and having a cavity width equal to the width of the desired box shape frame member and less than the diameter of the tube. The lower die has an entry opening which opens to the top surface of the die and is defined by angularly disposed funnel walls which converge to intersect with the cavity. The round tubular blank is placed onto the lower die so that the blank rests on the angularly disposed funnel walls above the cavity. The upper die is lowered onto the lower die and has a lid wall which forces the tubular blank downwardly into the cavity while the angularly disposed funnel walls guide the blank to collapse in a manner preventing pinching of the blank between the upper and lower dies.

Abstract: A hose coupling, ferrule therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the method of making the hose coupling comprising a ferrule having opposed ends and an insert interconnected to one of the ends of the ferrule so that an end of a hose can be inserted into the other end of the ferrule and over the insert to be subsequently clamped between the ferrule and the insert, the method comprising the steps of forming the ferrule from a length of tubular stock that has opposed ends by rotating the stock, inwardly swedging the stock at a predetermined location thereon to define the one end of the ferrule while the stock is rotating, and then cutting off a portion of the stock at a desired location thereon that is spaced inwardly from that one end of the stock to form the ferrule.

Abstract: The apparatus and process according to the invention relate to the cold forming by rolling of revolving parts (7).The apparatus comprises two identical milling wheels (9A, 9B) arranged symmetrically with respect to the part (7) to be formed and performing the same rotation movement at speed Vm and progressively moving towards the axis of the part to be formed (X1--X1). The part (7) performs a rotation movement at speed Vp such that Vp=Vm.multidot.N1/N2, N1 being the number of grooves on each wheel (9A, 9B), N2 the number of grooves to be formed on the part (7). An initial setting makes it possible to bring about coincidence between the grooves formed by each of the milling wheels on the part (7).The apparatus and process make it possible to obtain high precision parts.

Abstract: Forming dies adaptable to conventional tube bending machinery, the forming dies including aligned forming rollers engaging the tubing to be bent, said forming rollers containing grooves having curvilinear surfaces said forming rollers initially deforming the said tubing into a first curvilinear shape upon the drawing or pushing of the tubing between the forming rollers. A bend die is aligned with a pressure die roller, the pressure die roller and bend die each containing grooves having curvilinear surfaces defining a second curvilinear shape. Upon drawing or pushing the tubing through the pressure die roller and bend die, a second curvilinear shape is imparted to the tube. The tubing may thus be provided with an enhanced curvilinear shape prior to bending.

Abstract: The calibration cuvette apparatus for storing and calibrating a chemical sensor in a tonometered solution includes an upper cuvette section and a lower cylindrical valve section for alternately sealing the cuvette section and admitting a gas mixture to the cuvette section. The upper cuvette section has relatively narrow diameter upper and lower ends on either side of a wide diameter middle portion. The cuvette section is adapted to receive the sensor and retain the sensor in a fluid bath in the cuvette section so that the chemical sensor portion is disposed approximately in the center of the wide middle portion of the cuvette section. The chamber formed within the cuvette section is thus shaped so as to maintain the sensor in a position in the fluid bath so that any gas bubbles within the chamber will not dry the sensor. A lower end portion of the cuvette section includes a gas communication inlet for introducing gas into said chamber to equilibrate the tonometered buffer solution.

Abstract: A method for continuously monitoring gas dissolved in oil and includes placing a separator cell (1) in a conduit which extends from the upper part of an oil-cooled transformer and which is connected to the lower part of the transformer tank. The interior of the separator cell is divided by an inner glass filter (3) into two parts and the oil which flows through the separator and the glass filter is collected in the lower part of the separator. Through a pump (10) connected in the conduit from the separator to the lower part of the transformer tank, the oil level of the collected oil is maintained at a constant level. Between the glass filter and the collected oil, a gas compartment (5) is formed which contains gases extracted from the oil with a composition and concentrations uniquely determined by those gases dissolved within the oil. A gas sensor (6) is connected between the upper and lower parts of this compartment.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph for operation in split mode is controlled by calculating the column flow rate and the total carrier gas flow rate from the length and inner diameter of the column and specified values for temperature and column inlet pressure, adjusting the split flow rate such that the pressure value measured by a pressure sensor becomes equal to the specified pressure value and control the total carrier flow rate to be equal to the calculated value therefor. In this manner, the split ratio of the gas chromatograph can be maintained easily at a specified value. The amount of carrier gas to be wasted can be significantly reduced by appropriately varying the split ratio with time during the course of an analysis.

Abstract: The microphone in a photoacoustic cell that is part of an apparatus for photoacoustic analysis of at least one substance is protected against the harmful effects from the analyzed substance by sonically communicating the microphone with the excitation zone through a waveguide that is at least partly located within the excitation zone. The substance to be analyzed is supplied to the excitation zone, in which zone an acoustic signal is generated by an acoustic frequency modulation of an optical signal directed into the substance in the excitation zone. The substance is prevented from reaching the microphone by supplying a protecting gas to a portion of the waveguide proximate to the microphone.

Abstract: A device is provided comprising a piezoelectric material and at least one coating reactive with trace quantities of oxygen and/or water in reactive and inert gases. The piezoelectric material is bonded to a conductor for delivering an alternating electric current and to a conductor for transmitting resonant vibration frequency of the crystal. The reactive coating has an effective thickness which provides a serviceable life for the coating while not being so thick as to prevent vibration of the piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A water leak detection, collection and support device comprising a tray, a grid, a collection receptacle and an indicator. The device is particularly suited to detect and collect small, previously undetectable water leaks. The device may either be permanently mounted under a sink or it may be freestanding.

Abstract: A hydraulic hose impulse tester capable of simultaneously testing multiple samples of hydraulic hose in a stationary-impulse condition and in a flexing-impulse condition in the same test environment. The tester eliminates varying extraneous factors which can affect comparative test results by performing the static and dynamic tests simultaneously. Alternatively, all sample hoses can be tested in either a static or dynamic condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing seal members for use in an oxygen-rich environment. The test apparatus operates and is constructed to replicate the service environment as closely as possible. The test unit includes a hull with an interior test portion, with connections for gaseous or liquid oxygen and nitrogen and having a reciprocating actuator shaft extending into the hull interior. A valve seal member is carried on a retainer and bears against sealing surfaces on a nozzle to test valve sealing operations, while a dynamic O-ring bears against a liner element carried within the hull. Pressure sensors determine whether an effective seal is maintained, while a temperature sensor insures that the dynamic O-ring temperature does not exceed specifications. The retainer and the nozzle can be changed to permit testing a variety of valve seals.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved self-contained, environmentally isolated, multi-parametric measuring apparatus and method for sampling and determining the dynamic loading characteristics of a soil bed. The apparatus is specially adapted to withstand the extreme pressures of deep water applications. In operation, a drill string presses the apparatus of the invention into a soil bed at an uncontrolled rate resulting in a variable penetration rate. The apparatus has a self-contained data acquisition system that measures and records, as a function of time, the force exerted on the sampling apparatus and the depth of penetration as the drill string presses the sampling apparatus into the soil bed. Data is provided that enables the user to determine the static soil characteristics (e.g., shear strength and stress-strain characteristics) and the dynamic loading characteristics of the soil bed. The apparatus captures a sample of the soil for laboratory analysis.

Abstract: A method for sensing the temperature of the air supplied to the combustion chambers of an internal combustion engine for the purpose of detecting air mass. Air temperature can be measured using an inexpensive detector having a transfer function exhibiting a delayed response. Dynamic performance is improved by applying to the detected temperature a temperature correction value that is obtained by applying a transfer function that is substantially the inverse of the transfer function of the temperature detector.

Abstract: To improve a control characteristic of an air/fuel ratio during not only a normal driving operation, but also a transition driving operation,(1) based upon an air-flow rate measured by an air-flow rate meter, a calculation is made of pressure at an air intake manifold, and also another calculation is made of an air-flow rate at a cylinder port with employment of the calculation result and an engine revolution number.(2) A throttle valve angle is calculated only from the calculated air flow rate and the engine revolution number without utilizing a throttle valve angle sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing an anti-lock brake system has rolls and device for detecting rotational changes of the rolls. The test is performed by running a vehicle having mounted thereon the anti-lock brake system while wheels of the vehicle are placed on the rolls, actuating the anti-lock brake system when a predetermined speed has been attained, and judging operating conditions of the anti-lock brake system from rotational changes of the rolls at the time of braking. In the apparatus, the friction coefficient of each of the rolls is set to such a value that a frictional force to act between each of the rolls and each of the wheels at the time of braking exceeds an inertia force of each of the rolls.

Abstract: A pressure gauge includes an alarm generating device which is actuated by a modified pressure indicating stick upon detection of an insufficient or overinflated pressure condition within a tire. The pressure checking operation is possible even if there is inadequate surrounding light and the gauge can be checked without the need for reading the pressure indicating stick or an associated scale dial.

Abstract: An autonomous covert Inertial Navigation System uniquely suited for underwater applications wherein Schuler and siderial errors are bounded without external navigation aids or active instrumentation of ground speed is achieved by integrating a conventional Inertial Navigation System with a gravity gradiometer capable of measuring gravity field components independently of platform accelerations.

Abstract: A positive-displacement fluid flow measuring system, especially for hydrocarbon fuel dispensers. The measuring system comprises, in addition to a positive-displacement meter per se, a correction system for correcting the loss of head in the meter. The correction system comprises a differential pressure detector responsive to the difference between the pressures at the inlet and the outlet of the meter. The displacement of the membrane enables an external motor to be coupled to the shaft of the meter by means of the plates.

Abstract: A water meter housing has a scalloped edge positioned in a crevice where the housing attaches to a meter register housing to improve the tamper-resistant features of the assembly.

Abstract: A flow meter includes a body located in thermal contact with a fluid, the flow rate of which is to be measured, a heater in thermal contact with the body, a first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the body, and a second temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the fluid. The flow meter also includes mechanisms for calculating the differential temperature between the fluid and the body, for supplying power to the heater, for measuring the rate at which power is supplied to the heater, for setting a predetermined target differential temperature, and predetermined maximum and minimum differential temperatures, and for comparing the calculated differential temperature with the predetermined target, maximum and minimum differential temperatures.

Abstract: A device for measuring a gas flow (F) has a measuring body (1) in the form of a cylinder, and a heating device (12) for heating the measuring body. A slot (5) extends axially into the cylinder from one end thereof so as to divide a first portion of the cylinder into two symmetrical halves (6a, 6b). The heating device (12) is disposed in a second cylinder portion which is not divided by the slot (5). A temperature sensor (13) is arranged in the second cylinder portion, and a temperature sensor (14, 15) is arranged in each cylinder half (6a, 6b). For measuring a gas flow (F), the measuring body (1) is so disposed in the gas flow that the slot (5) extends at right angles to the gas flow with one half (6a) facing the gas flow and with the other half (6b) facing away from the gas flow. The measuring body (1) is heated by the heating device (12) to a temperature exceeding the ambient temperature by a predetermined value.

Abstract: A level sensing apparatus for detecting variations in heat transfer for measuring the level of a fluid in a container. The apparatus has a plurality of spaced Darlington pair transistor configurations within an elongate housing. The Darlington pair transistor configurations are so positioned in the housing and biased such that their conductivity is dependent upon the cooling effects of the fluid. A predetermined potential difference is provided across each one of the respective Darlington pair transistor configurations due to the cooling effects of the fluid when in a liquid form. A potential difference lower than the pre-determined potential difference is provided due to the cooling effects of the fluid when in a gaseous form.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the rate of rotation and linear acceleration of a moving body in two perpendicular axis (X and Y). The rate of rotation is determined by measuring the force resulting from the Coriolus effect and the linear acceleration is determined by measuring the resulting force in the axis of acceleration. The apparatus includes an integral flexing unit which during rest extends in the Z axis, having a flexure zone with two degrees of flexing freedom. A proof mass is resiliently mounted on the flexing unit remote from the flexure zone with one degree of oscillation in parallel to the Z axis. The proof mass is caused to oscillate at constant amplitude by suitable electric means whereby, upon rotation of the body or linear acceleration thereof, the flexure unit oscillates by periodic bending of the flexure zone and the extent of flexure which is proportionate to the rate of rotation and/or linear acceleration, is determined by suitable electro optical means.

Abstract: An ultrasonic system for determining the quality of concrete under water hout inaccuracies caused by electromagnetic interference from the ultrasonic generator. An ultrasonic generator applies pulses to the concrete. An ultrasonic detector detects the ultrasonic pulses and produces corresponding signals that are indicative of ultrasonic pulses that have passed through the material. Signal processing circuitry processes the signals to determine the transit time of the ultrasonic pulses through the material. The signal processing circuitry is disabled for a predetermined time after application of each ultrasonic pulse to the material to prevent noise produced by the means for applying ultrasonic pulses to the material from entering the signal processing circuitry and causing spurious measurements.

Abstract: An ultrasonic rail web centerline detector locates the web centerline (18) of a longitudinal rail (12) having a head (80), a base (82), and a web therebetween. The detector includes an ultrasound sensor (14) acoustically coupled to the head (80) of the rail (12) for transmitting ultrasound energy through the rail (12) and for generating electrical signals corresponding to received reflected ultrasound energy. A controller (16) responsive to the electrical signals generates control signals representative of a lateral and angular displacement of the ultrasound sensor (14) with respect to the web centerline (18) of the rail. The position of the ultrasound sensor is adjusted as a function of the control signals representative of the lateral and angular displacement. The ultrasound sensor includes a center transceiver (30) and side transceivers (32, 34) which are acoustically coupled to the head (80) of the rail (12).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for experimentally determining the compressive material strength of tubular products includes a housing having a cylindrical cavity therein, top and bottom end caps closing opposite ends of the cavity, tubular bladder means mounted in the cavity and defining a pressure chamber larger than the tubular products to be tested and a fluid receiving space between the bladder means and the wall of the cavity, a plurality of small balls substantially filling the pressure chamber around the tubular product being tested, means for pumping hydraulic fluid into the fluid receiving space to cause the bladder means to apply pressure uniformly to said small balls and thence uniformly over the external curved surface of the tubular product. Means are included to continuously monitor and display the magnitude of the pressure applied to the tubular specimen, and to detect and signal tube failure. Tubular specimens can be instrumented to monitor additional testing characteristics.

Abstract: A monitoring probe for detecting groundwater migration. The monitor features a cylinder made of a permeable membrane carrying an array of electrical conductivity sensors on its outer surface. The cylinder is filled with a fluid that has a conductivity different than the groundwater. The probe is placed in the ground at an area of interest to be monitored. The fluid, typically saltwater, diffuses through the permeable membrane into the groundwater. The flow of groundwater passing around the permeable membrane walls of the cylinder carries the conductive fluid in the same general direction and distorts the conductivity field measured by the sensors. The degree of distortion from top to bottom and around the probe is precisely related to the vertical and horizontal flow rates, respectively. The electrical conductivities measured by the sensors about the outer surface of the probe are analyzed to determine the rate and direction of the groundwater flow.