Abstract: A composite structure for rocket motors includes a longitudinal element of the composite structure, which is an assembly of segments of clamshell or barrel stave form. The element is held in place by a circumferential element, which is a composite overwrap of reinforcing fibers in a resin matrix. The matrix may be thermoplastic or thermosetting. The reinforcing fiber being high strength polyolefin thereby providing the rocket motor with insensitive munitions capability.

Abstract: Solid fuel gas generator compositions for use in ducted rockets, in which fullerenes or substituted fullerenes are used. Fullerene compounds in which easily oxidizable groups, oxidizing groups, or salts of oxidizing acids are attached to the spherical carbon skeleton of the fullerene.

Abstract: A thrust propulsion unit for an aircraft comprises an engine, such as a turbojet engine with afterburner or a rocket engine, capable of producing thrust by expulsion of hot gases at near sonic or greater velocity through a nozzle portal and a primary ejector connected to the engine comprising a primary air intake for directing ambient air to an intake end of a primary ejector duct and a primary ejector duct having a lateral cross sectional area greater than the nozzle portal. The primary ejector duct receives the gases expelled from the engine portal and the air from the primary air intake and expels them out an exhaust end with increased momentum.

Abstract: When engine operation falls in a predetermined zone wherein it is necessary to attenuate engine surging or the like type of engine operating phenomenon, and wherein mapped adaptive update value data is required to exhibit a different resolution to the adaptive update value data which is contained in the remainder of the map not included in the predetermined zone, the operation of the engine in the predetermined zone is detected and an indication of the same set. While the indication is set, updating of the mapped data which corresponds to the predetermined operational zone, is inhibited. In some embodiments mapped data which corresponds to the predetermined operational zone is set in a separate memory section and updated in a manner different from the manner in which the data which does not correspond to the special zone, is updated.

Abstract: A system which is capable of diagnosing the deterioration condition of an engine exhaust gas purifying device has front and rear air/fuel ratio sensors for detecting the air/fuel ratio of the exhaust gas upstream and downstream of the catalyst, an autocorrelation function calculation for calculating the autocorrelation function .phi.xx of an output signal from the front air/fuel ratio sensor to output the maximum values (.phi.xx)max of the autocorrelation function .phi.xx at predetermined intervals, each maximum value (.phi.xx)max being in each of the predetermined intervals. A cross-correlation function calculator calculates the cross-correlation function .phi.xy between the output signals from the front and rear air/fuel ratio sensors to output the maximum values (.phi.xy)max of the mutual correlation function .phi.xy at predetermined intervals, each maximum value (.phi.xy)max being in each of the predetermined intervals therefore. The ratios between the maximum values (.phi.xy)max and (.phi.

Abstract: An air/fuel control system which includes feedback control from an exhaust gas oxygen sensor positioned upstream of a catalytic converter. The exact air/fuel ratio required optimum converter efficiency is determined by generating an emissions signal from both a HC/CO sensor and a NO sensor each positioned downstream of the catalytic converter. The feedback variable is trimmed by a signal derived from the emissions signal to maintain air/fuel operation at a value corresponding to maximum converter efficiency.

Abstract: A power plant for generating electric power and pneumatic pressure includes an internal combustion engine, an electrical generator, and a compressor and pneumatic supply tanks. Both the electrical generator and the compressor are driven by the engine, however, the engine drive is so coupled and controlled that the engine drives the generator as its primary load, and the compressor as its secondary load and apportions the engine power between these units according to need. When the generator uses all the engine power, pneumatic power is supplied by the pneumatic supply tanks, permitting a smaller than normal drive engine. A quick start and quick kill mechanism is provided for the engine by using the air supply from the pneumatic supply tank and an air motor, and a time delay shut down relay when no power is being used. Also the generator can be used as an electric drive motor for the compressor in place of the internal combustion engine, where 110 volt power is available on the job site.

Abstract: A fuel/oxidizer pre-mixing combustion chamber for a turbojet engine is disclosed in which the pre-mixing device is incorporated into the upstream end wall structure of the combustion chamber. The upstream end portion of the combustion chamber, which is in communication with the oxidizer, has a plurality of generally radially extending, "V"-shaped members oriented such that the vertex of the "V" shape faces in an upstream direction. These members extend generally radially between the inner and outer walls which define the boundaries of the combustion chamber. The members define upstream edges and downstream edges which are axially the upstream edges. Fuel injectors extend radially inwardly between these members and are axially positioned between the locations of the upstream and downstream edges so as to spray fuel onto the adjacent sides of each of the members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved cryogenic process for the separation of air to produce an oxygen product and a nitrogen product. The present invention employs a distillation column system with three distillation columns, a low pressure column, a medium pressure column and a high pressure column. The improved three column distillation system process comprises: (a) producing an oxygen product with a product purity of less than 98% purity oxygen and producing no argon product; (b) producing a gaseous nitrogen product which represents greater than 35% of the feed air and which is removed from the medium and/or high pressure columns; (c) recovering a major portion of the oxygen product from the low pressure column; and (d) condensing at least a portion of the high pressure nitrogen overhead from the high pressure column by heat exchange against a liquid stream in the medium pressure column and utilizing at least a portion of the condensed portion to provide reflux to the high pressure column.

Abstract: According to the process of the invention, after heating, nitrogen which exits from a pressure column is compressed under elevated pressure by means of a single nitrogen compressor, and the low pressure column is operated at a pressure of about P.sub.N /.rho..sub.N, where P.sub.N represents the elevated pressure of nitrogen and .rho..sub.N the compression ratio of the nitrogen compressor. Application to the simultaneous production on the one hand of high purity nitrogen at a pressure between 50 and 60 bars, and on the other hand, of oxygen at 65 bars, so as to supply a unit for the production of ammonia.

Abstract: A process for producing an ice, comprising the steps of allowing a material solution containing a sweetener to flow downward from the upper part of and along the surface of a freezing plate provided substantially upright, to thereby cause the material solution to freeze on and stick to the surface of the freezing plate to form an ice plate; breaking the ice place into ice pieces having a diameter of about 20 mm at maximum; and filling a container with the ice pieces. The material solution is so controlled as to flow down in such a quantity that at least 30% of the solution freezes on and sticks to the freezing plate before the solution reaches the lower end thereof, and has a concentration so adjusted that the ice plate has a fragmentation resistance of 1,000 mm or less as measured by the dropping test method.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for remotely monitoring the condition of a heat transfer fluid in the liquid line of a heat transfer system. The operation of the system is controlled in response to the results of the remote monitoring which may be used to indicate excessive moisture in the heat transfer fluid, low levels of heat transfer fluid, and non-condensed transfer fluid in the liquid line. Based upon the monitoring of the transfer fluid for non-condensed fluid, the rate of movement of a cooling fluid past a condenser for the transfer fluid is varied so that the temperature of the heat transfer fluid is kept as low as possible without formation of bubbles of non-condensed transfer fluid in the liquid line.

Abstract: A first inlet is formed in the front portion of the box of an indoor unit, and a second inlet is formed in the upper portion of the box of the indoor unit. Openable/closable covers are provided to the second inlet. The covers are closed when a silent operation mode is set by an operation unit. When the covers are closed, the second inlet is closed, and the sound caused by a hissing indoor fan in the indoor unit and the sound of the refrigerant flowing in the indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit will not leak to the outside of the indoor unit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a control apparatus for use in an automotive air conditioning system which includes a variable capacity-type refrigerant compressor. The automotive air conditioning system comprises a refrigerant circuit including a refrigerant compressor with an externally controlled, variable capacity control mechanism; an evaporator connected to a suction chamber of the compressor; and a control apparatus which controls refrigerant circuit operation. The control apparatus includes an adjusting device for adjusting a control point of the compressor suction chamber pressure. During operation of the automotive air conditioning system, the control point of the compressor suction chamber pressure is adjusted to effectively maintain the temperature of air immediately downstream from the evaporator at the set temperature.

Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning system includes three separate chambers formed by partitions. An interior heat exchanger is disposed in the first chamber for heat exchange with air introduced into the first chamber, and first chamber has an inside-air introduction port for admitting air from the vehicle passenger compartment into the first chamber and an air discharge port for discharging air into the compartment. An exterior heat exchanger is disposed in the second chamber for heat exchange with air introduced into the second chamber, and second chamber has an open-air introduction port for admitting air from outside of the vehicle into the second chamber and an air discharge port for discharging the air to outside of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for disposing of the condensate collected in the drip pan of the evaporator coil of a refrigeration system located within a storage enclosure. An air pump is used to withdraw the condensate by aspiration from the drip pan and deposit it in a storage container outside of the enclosure. The stored condensate is subsequently transferred to a pan open to the atmosphere from which the condensate evaporates.

Abstract: A refrigeration compressor incorporating an improved suction muffler is disclosed. The suction muffler provides dual sound attenuating chambers within a single housing, which housing is secured to the suction inlet conduit extending between the motor cover and suction inlet for the compressor. The suction inlet conduit is increased in diameter between the motor cover and the compressor inlet to provide a stepped portion which operates to reflect pressure waves. Integrally formed openings in the sidewall of the conduit provide communication with each of the two chambers and the respective chambers may be tuned to attenuate different specific frequencies. Internal integrally formed baffles within each of the chambers serve to reduce standing waves within the chambers as well as adding stiffness to the muffler.

Abstract: An air conditioner is provided that self-disposes of salts that accumulate in increasing concentration inside the air conditioner cooler. Such salts result from continuous evaporation of water that cools air passing through water evaporation mats located within the cooler. The air conditioner includes a separate basin for drawing salty water from the cooler reservoir. Drawn water is evaporated from the basin to concentrate the salt for disposal. The evaporation basin is designed so that the evaporation rate therein is substantially equal to a predetermined ideal quantity of salt water to be disposed of in order to maintain the highest efficiency in performance of the cooler. As such, the evaporative air conditioner system does not consume a larger quantity of water than that consumed by ordinary coolers that require regular cleaning and maintenance.

Abstract: A combination expansion and flow distributor unit suitable for use in a heat pump for homogeneously mixing liquid and vapor phase refrigerant throttled through the expander section and uniformly distributing the mixture into the individual flow circuits of a downstream heat exchanger.

Abstract: A beverage cooler arranged to complementarily receive and secure a coolant jug therewithin is provided, wherein a puncture tip is directed into the neck of the coolant jug to direct fluid flow therefrom into an outlet conduit. A drain conduit is provided permitting drainage of water runoff from melting ice and the like within the cooler structure.

Abstract: Apparatus as disposed internal of a refrigeration screw compressor which, upon compressor shutdown, shuts off the flow of oil injected into the compressor's working chamber and the oil which is directed to the compressor rotor bearings and which at compressor startup opens oil flow to those locations by the use of ambient internal compressor conditions that inherently exist at those respective times. The operation of the apparatus is therefore "fail safe" and the need for external oil flow cutoff valving and the need to monitor and/or prove oil flow within the compressor is eliminated.

Abstract: A multi-strand jewelry clasp comprises a pair of clasp connector boxes in each of which is provided a plurality of pivot hooks and rings for detachable connection to one end of each of a plurality of jewelry strands, such as chains or necklaces. A single latch arm is provided for detachably connecting together, in one operative step, the pair of clasp connector boxes and thus the plurality of strands.

Abstract: Dispenser-distributor provided with a device for the local application of the liquid detergent. The device consists of an aperture let into the top part of the side surface of the dispenser-distributor whose orifice is intercepted by a circular-sectioned element rotatably supported about pins engaged in two recesses positioned on the rim of the aperture.

Abstract: A turbidity sensor holder system having a container with a projection for collecting fluid samples in a machine for cleansing articles is provided. Collector channels are situated in the container projection to collect the fluid to be sampled. One or more vent channels are also provided in the container projection for conveniently venting a reservoir in the container. The present invention with the foregoing collection capability allows the turbidity of the cleansing fluid to be accurately measured without affecting the performance capacity of the sensor.

Abstract: A key holder in which two portions are connected for relative movement between a closed position therebetween and a widely opened position therebetween.

Abstract: A method for automatically controlling a nominal property value of a material in the process of making the material, The method includes the steps of providing a feedback model of the process and eliminating the influence of time delay on determining the nominal property value, A state observer is used to estimate at least one unmeasurable variable of the process as a function of at least one measurable variable of the process. The above steps are combined to control the nominal property value as a function of a process variable that is both measurable and undelayed. An actual feedback measurement containing a time delay can be used to correct for any errors that might exist in the feedback estimate.

Abstract: The bridle or bridles of a stretching or levelling line for a thin metal strip, e.g. of a thickness of up to 1 mm, can have at least one roll of a periphery variable between an outwardly convex and an inwardly concave bulge to compensate for dishing of the strip or edge waviness.

Abstract: The process and apparatus of the invention permits the production of annular parts, such as ferrules, on which machining operations are to be carried out. The process includes the steps of bending a predimensioned metal sheet by a series of internal supports mounted on a rotary plate and by a pressure roller bearing on the outer surface of the sheet. One complete rotation of the rotary plate makes it possible to completely bend the sheet into the form of a ferrule. The second main operation includes carrying out of a welding operation on the two ends of the metal sheet. This process makes it possible to carry out any random prior machining operation on the predimensioned flat metal sheet, without the machining operations being impaired by the bending or welding operation. The process is applicable to the production of front ferrules for casings surrounding the coldest pipe of a double flow turbojet engine.

Abstract: A device for moving blades of a press used for bending sheets, has blades supported and placed in motion by a bending block which is movable in the vertical direction with respect to two counter blades with the sheet to be bent being placed between the two counter blades. For the purpose of imparting motion to the bending block with respect to the counter blades, there is provided a track along which the bending block rolls. There are also provided two connecting rods, the upper end of which is hinged to the lower part of the bending block. The two rods are pivoted in the lower part to an arm (7) which is placed substantially radially and which is integral with a cylinder (8). Cylinder (8) is integral with a second arm (9) which is connected with a fluid dynamic cylinder. There may also be provided a second fluid-dynamic cylinder which forms with the first fluid-dynamic cylinder a structure having cylindrical symmetry.

Abstract: A container is formed with a bottom wall comprising a central panel and a resting radius formed from an annular wall depending downwardly from the central panel periphery and then outwardly and upwardly to join the container side wall. A method is disclosed which reduces the resting radius by tightening the curvature thereof through deformation of the outer annular wall so that the resting radius is better able to resist eversion under the influence of pressure within the container. The outer wall is deformed by radially inward flexing of plural fingers which are cammed radially inwardly into contact with it through a cam follower arrangement which also controls a can support member to (1) locate the bottom wall in a first position between the reforming fingers and supporting anvil, and (2) in a second, elevated stripping position where the container is removed from the apparatus. The container bottom wall is preferably reformed during necking-in of the container open end.

Abstract: A method for forming a constant geometry and non-turbulent stream inducing pouring spout in the rim portion of an annular side-walled vessel. The method comprises the steps of: a) positioning the vessel within a clamp possessing a groove whose centerline forms a 90.degree. angle with the annular side wall of the vessel when the clamp is in place; b) placing inside the vessel a center plug possessing a radially extending groove whose centerline forms a 90.degree. angle with the annular side wall when the center plug is in place; c) aligning the centerlines of the grooves of the clamp and the center plug to form a straight line travel path; d) placing a pour spout former in the center plug portion's groove and causing the former to travel along the travel path and into contact with the rim portion of the vessel; and, e) further causing the former to travel along the travel path to yieldably deform the rim portion of the annular wall into the desired shape pouring spout.

Abstract: A rotary bending tool, consisting of a rotary bending head, a saddle block with bearing surfaces and retaining key for holding the rotary bending head, a restoring member for the rotary bending head and a bottom die, the bearing assembly of the rotary bending head being equipped with a continuous lubricating device. The continuous lubricating device consists preferably of lubricant chambers, which are fed via a lubricant-delivery duct. Preferably the restoring member for the rotary bending head is integrated in the lubricant-delivery duct.

Abstract: A method for locating leak from a tank containing a fluid using acoustic signals by adaptively correlating the phase of the acoustic signals to determine a first set of possible leak locations and subsequently correlating acoustic signals from a second set of locations on the tank to determine a second set of possible leak locations and converging the first and second set of possible leak locations to determine the location of the leak.

Abstract: A helium leak detector includes a gas analyzer and a secondary pump having at least on its discharge side a Holweck type stage. The pump is of a type enabling the suction pressure to be reduced to a value at least equal to 10.sup.-4 mbar and a discharge pressure which is sufficiently high to be compatible with the suction pressure of a dry primary pump having at least two stages. The secondary pump is connected to the low-pressure output of a sampling unit on an intermediate point of the secondary pump where the flow conditions are molecular. A sniffer probe is connected to the high-pressure side of the sampling unit. This high-pressure side is further connected to the dry primary pump between its at least two stages.

Abstract: A molecular weight of a polymer is measured by a process including steps of: heating a polymer portion with a heating device, measuring, with a temperature measuring device, the difference between temperatures of at least two points of the polymer portion at each of which the polymer portion is subjected to a thermally different influence from each other by the heating device, and estimating the molecular weight of the polymer which corresponds to the difference between the temperatures obtained by the measuring step according to a relationship between the temperature difference and the molecular weight of the polymer which relationship has been beforehand obtained.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the moisture content of soil uses a timing capacitor. The capacitor has several conductive elements adapted for insertion into soil to sense the hydration state capacitance of the soil. A capacitance-to-frequency converter electrically connected to the capacitor has an oscillator circuit. The frequency of the oscillator circuit has a frequency dependent upon the value of the capacitor and independent of the electrical losses in the capacitor. A data logger measures the frequency generated by the capacitance-to-frequency converter, the frequency bearing a known relationship to the dielectric constant and, hence, the water content of the soil. The conductive elements are surrounded by shields of electrical potential substantially equal to that of the timing capacitor.

Abstract: A test stand for testing multiple engines which may be liquid cooled or air cooled including apparatus for preheating a liquid coolant to preheat the engine prior to testing, apparatus for heating lubricant for preheating the engine prior to testing, apparatus for conserving the heat through heat exchangers to heat the coolant and the lubricant for a supply of coolant and lubricant for testing a successive engine; a brake and drag for the engine arranged for generating electricity to obtain electrical energy from the testing forces. For an air cooled engine, a throttle arrangement is added to block the air for a fast heating of the engine prior to testing. In one form, lubricant is bypassed from the sump up to the head of the engine and heated in the bypass such as by a heat exchanger energized by heat from the coolant from testing a previous engine.

Abstract: The invention has an assembly for identifying the direction of power in a driveline in the case of torque transmission. The assembly includes a positively driven first drive element and a second drive element connected to the first to pass on torque. The first and the second drive elements are rotatable relative to each other in a torque-free way, via a limited angle of rotation, but in their respective end positions, relative to each other, they rest against non-rotating stops. Furthermore, the assembly includes a switching pin and a sensor for recording the respective relative position of rotation of the second drive element relative to the first drive element. Also, the assembly includes toothed discs and associated sensors for recording the direction of rotation. The sensors load an evaluating unit which, as a function of the relative positions of rotation of the drive elements and the directions of rotation, generates a signal characterizing the direction of power.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for measuring the pressure of an oxygen-containing gas on an aerodynamic surface, by oxygen-quenching of luminescence of molecular sensors is disclosed. Objects are coated with luminescent films containing a first sensor and at least one of two additional sensors, each of the sensors having luminescences that have different dependencies on temperature and oxygen pressure. Methods and compositions are also provided for improving pressure measurements (qualitative or quantitive) on surfaces coated with a film having one or more types of sensor.

Abstract: Method, apparatus, and sensor mast for airfoil aerodynamic performance monitoring are based on pressure measurement. Pressure transducers mounted within the sensor mast measure real-time pressure, to produce an output signal. The signal is separated into steady state and overlaid ripple components. The steady state component corresponds to the mean dynamic pressure of the airflow, while overlaid ripple component corresponds to the superimposed turbulent flow component. The overlaid ripple component is transformed to an amplitude equivalent. A dimensionless ratio of the two components forms a pressure turbulence intensity factor, which may be used consistently to predict and warn of imminent stall conditions. Pressure measurement was found to be an improvement over airspeed measurement. Pressure sensors proved more robust and less fragile than airspeed sensors.

Abstract: A method for determining the thickness of ferromagnetic material deposited on a nuclear fuel rod. Calibration samples of known thickness and known permeability are placed between the probe of an eddy current sensor and a conductive surface. A plurality of calibration points are plotted to provide a characteristic complex impedance diagram for a probe excited at a predetermined frequency. Then the complex impedance of the probe excited at the selected frequency is measured when in proximity to a fuel rod having a corrosion layer of unknown thickness and unknown magnetic permeability. For each probe position, the two components of the complex impedance, i.e., the inductive reactance and the resistance, are determined and plotted on the characteristic complex impedance diagram. The position of the measured data point relative to the calibration points enables one to determine the lift-off error due to the presence of ferromagnetic material.

Abstract: An improved liquid level fuel sender of the type having a resistor card mounted in a plastic housing affixed to the interior of a fuel tank, and a float arm assembly connected to pivot relative to the housing to slide a contact wiper over the resistor card to generate signals corresponding to fuel level. The connecting structure and bearing surfaces of the components of the fuel sender are designed to increase the stability, uniformity, accuracy and repeatability of the sender over its life. In one embodiment the plastic housing defines a first pivot bearing for the float arm assembly, and the ground terminal defines a second pivot bearing for the float arm assembly spaced from the first pivot bearing to improve rotational stability of the float arm assembly. A support arm and wiper arm assembly are mounted therebetween, the support arm connected to the float arm and freely rotating on an axial bearing surface on the housing to transfer float arm motion to the conductive wiper arm.

Abstract: A driver measure system aids in determining the physical requirements of a disabled driver in order to modify a van or other vehicle to his or her specific needs. The driver measurement system comprises a frame including tracks for positioning a wheelchair and a control assembly which includes a steering wheel and hand controls. Force adjustment and measurement mechanisms for the steering wheel and hand controls enables a trained technician to evaluate the functional driving ability of the disabled driver. The simulator also provides a structural reference framework for taking anthropometric measurements. The measurements obtained are used to prepare a specification or "mobility prescription" for modifications and adaptive driving equipment needed to customize a vehicle.

Abstract: A gravity gradiometer instrument alternately and sequentially rotatable in opposing angular increments provides a measure of the gravity gradient in-line and cross components without requiring real-time generation of trigonometric harmonic components, continuous demodulation to separate the component data signals, or filtering. Demodulation of the output data is accomplished by simple summing of the data from successive angular positions of radially opposing accelerometers. Precise control of the rotational speed is not required. Further, the accelerometer complement is minimal and because the direction of rotation is periodically reversed, a twist capsule is used rather than slip rings, thereby avoiding the noise and maintenance problems associated therewith.

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: A system and method for dynamically and non-destructively measuring the longitudinal stresses in a rail of a continuous rail track includes an ultrasonic transmitter which transmits coded focused shear pulses through a rail which are subsequently received by a linear array of sensors. A displacer adjusts the separation between the transmitter and the sensors to maximize the signal intensity received by a centrally located one of the sensors. A data processor, in conjunction with a rail height detector, a rail temperature detector, and a rail splice detector, dynamically determines the longitudinal stresses in the rail as a function of the velocity of propagation of the pulses, the stress free temperature (SFT) of the rail, and activates a rail marker to mark portions of the rail having unacceptable longitudinal stresses. Stress and related data is recorded on a data log. A video camera provides observed rail separation data to the data processor.

Abstract: A semiconductor sensor (10) is built into a cable connector to provide rapid and reliable attachment of the semiconductor sensor (10) into a monitoring or control system. The sensor (10) is mounted in a package (11) having cable connector leads (12, 13, 14) extending through the package (11). The semiconductor sensor (10) is electrically attached to the cable connector leads (12, 13, 14). A housing (20,30) surrounds the package (11) and provides a protective shroud for the cable connector leads (12, 13, 14).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining the operability of a semiconductor chip including at least one bond between the semiconductor chip and at least one electrical lead, the at least one electrical lead having a first surface, the at least one bond connecting the first surface to the semiconductor chip. The apparatus has a handling carrier rigidly supporting the semiconductor chip, a test socket containing the handling carrier for providing an electrical path from the test socket to the at least one electrical lead and through the at least one bond to the semiconductor chip and back, and a computer for applying an electrical signal to the electrical path for generating an output signal. A gas nozzle is provided, positionable near the first surface, for directing a gas flow at the first surface while an electrical signal is applied. The gas flow generates a force on the electrical lead in a direction away from the semiconductor chip.

Abstract: An improved water meter has a meter body with an extended bottom on the periphery of which are disposed a plurality of spaced first oval holes and at the center of the meter is disposed a small round hole. To the bottom of the water meter is journalled a cone-shaped block. A round cavity is disposed at the center of the block with a plurality of spaced first oval holes defined on the periphery thereof that communicate respectively with a plurality of tilted slots on the bottom periphery of the block. A vertical mounting post is disposed at the center of the cavity. A rotation propeller having a plurality of blades and a driving shaft is engaged with the small round hole with its driving shaft and engaged with the vertical mounting shaft at the bottom end. The cone-shaped block and the water meter are journalled together with the rotation propeller housed therebetween.

Abstract: Use of ultrasonic stimulation together with a pressure sensitive piezoelectric material in a sensor makes it possible to obtain three dimensional pressure measurements on an object in one operation. A piezoelectric material which is manufactured with a conductive surface on both sides, and shear orientation (i.e. piezo voltage produced by pressure on the material is sensitized in a single axis of the shear plane), and generates a proportional voltage when stretched or compressed (and tension and compression is sensed by the generation of opposite polarity voltages), makes it possible to measure normal forces by ultrasonic stimulation, and shear forces by the generation of piezo voltages, using the same sensor. In a preferred embodiment, multiple sensors are disposed in a high density array, and the various axes for the three dimensional measurements are obtained by varying the orientation of each sensor relative to an adjacent sensor.