Abstract: A bottom outlet type air conditioning accumulator canister avoids the drain down problem inherent with bottom outlets by providing an internal return tube that has two complete loops, including three legs and an upper and lower bight. A bleed hole assembly for aspirating out collected liquid is located in the lower bight, while the upper bight prevents drain down through the bleed hole when the system sits idle. The upper bight is also located just below the upper end of the return tube, so that a pair of saddle bag style desiccant pouches can be hung over the upper tube end and rest on the upper bight.

Abstract: An adsorption cooling apparatus includes a hermetically sealed cylindrical capsule that contains a first thermal medium, a moisture absorber on its first side and an adsorbent on its second side. The capsule reciprocatively moves and slidably contacts with a cooling vessel containing a low temperature thermal medium on the first side and with a heating vessel containing a high temperature thermal medium on the second side. The capsule is cooled by an external airflow when it is moved to the cooling vessel, so that the first thermal medium absorbed in the moisture absorber evaporates and the low temperature thermal medium in the cooling vessel is cooled because of the latent heat of evaporation of the first thermal medium. The so cooled low temperature thermal medium is utilized for cooling the object to be cooled. The first thermal medium having evaporated from the moisture absorber is adsorbed by the adsorbent.

Abstract: The present inventions are intended to improve heat efficiency of a refrigeration system having plural refrigerating cycles of different evaporating or condensing temperatures typically used in breweries. Each of main lines of different evaporating temperatures are connected with each of suction lines to a compressor respectively, to enable the system to save energy and to establish a back-up system of compressors. A different condensing temperature system having a common refrigerant source is provided with refrigerant transferring means to transfer refrigerant from an refrigerant excess cycle to an refrigerant insufficiency cycle.

Abstract: A binding mechanism for holding yarns of circular knitting machines during yarn changeover and when yarns are moved to inactive positions includes an elastomeric member having deformable when engaged with a flat surface and having pliable surfaces for simultaneously receiving and individually gripping multiple yarns, the member being of silicone rubber having a durometer hardness range of 45-70.

Abstract: A transfer station is provided to allow a secure transfer of goods between a service person such as a cleaner and an owner of the goods at the owner's residence when the owner is not at home. The station includes a bag forming an enclosure for the goods and having a handle. The station also includes a capture box with a receiver for the handle and a closure that prevents removal of the handle from the receiver when closed and locked. The box has a relatively low profile and does not capture part or all of the bag to provide security for the bag. A mechanism is also provided to close and secure the bag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swivel lever lock which is securable by a cylinder lock device and is mountable in a thin wall, such as a sheet-metal cabinet door. The swivel lever lock includes a base plate having two projections penetrating through the door leaf. One of the projections serves for the connection of a rod drive or for an articulated shaft for a hand lever, which can be swiveled away. The projection can be used simultaneously for fastening one end of the base plate. The other projection has a recess for receiving the cylinder lock device holding the swivel lever in its swiveled-in position and can be used simultaneously for fastening the other end of the base plate. Either the base plate or the swivel lever has a recess for receiving a second cylinder lock which can be actuated independently of the first cylinder lock for securing the swivel lever in its swiveled-in position.

Abstract: A device is provided for locking a control lever on a handlebar of a cycle. A first clamp arm has a key-actuated lock with a lock mechanism extending therefrom. A second clamp arm has a lock engagement recess for accepting the lock mechanism of the lock therein. The two clamp arms may be locked together as a single unit, a first opening therein for enclosing a portion of the handlebar, and a second opening therein for enclosing a portion of the control lever. The first opening further includes a plurality of protruding tits extending therefrom for frictional engagement with the handlebar to prevent the arms from rotating on the handlebar. In use, the arms are separately placed over the portion of the handlebar and the control lever and then joined and locked together thereon to prevent the use of the control lever.

Abstract: An improvement in the configuration of automobile steering wheel locking devices. The automobile steering wheel locking device principally consists of components, which include a main body, grip piece, stopping bar, lock, gib, holding shaft, spring, positioning pin and a cover. The main body and grip piece are wrapped tightly around the steering wheel by the semi-circular grip sections on the lower parts of the main body and grip piece forming a circular arc-shaped housing. In addition, the stopping bar at the rear of the main body is employed and confined to the corner against the windshield in front of the dashboard, thereby preventing the steering wheel from being turned and achieving optimum anti-theft effects.

Abstract: A method of rolling an elongated workpiece in the form of a sheet or strip and of reducing edge drop during rolling comprising passing the workpiece through at least one pair of opposed work rolls which comprise an arbor and a hollow sleeve shrink-fitted over the arbor and having end portions defining, between the arbor and sleeve, a cavity providing a self-compensating flexible roll end portion which is placed over and extends beyond a longitudinal edge of the workpiece during rolling. Preferably, the shrink-fitted portion is provided with maximum radial stress at the middle thereof and decreasing toward the ends of the shrink-fitted zone. The work rolls may be backed up with self-compensating backup rolls to further improve uniformity of the rolled workpiece by reducing crown variation thereof. Positioning of the rolls is accomplished by axial shifting.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of forming a thin plate having a negative angle-formed portion when a second die is moved straight to bump against a first die to form a work, when the first die is rotatably provided with a rotary cam having a negative angle forming portion, and the second die is equipped with a slide cam having a negative angle forming portion in its opposite position to said rotary cam, and the second die is so set to approach the first die, then the slide cam bumps against the rotary cam and moves to form a negative angle-forming portion between both cams, and after negative angle forming portions having been made, the second die withdraws from the first die and the rotary cam is made to rotate and retreat to the extent that the work can be taken out from the first die. In such a forming method, the negative angle forming portion of the bent work is divided into plural portions which are substantially straight within a range capable of processing with one rotary cam.

Abstract: New tooling technology for deep drawing one-piece can bodies from flat-rolled sheet metal can stock (58) which is precoated on both surfaces with an organic coating and draw lubricant. A draw die curved-surface cavity (122) entrance is formed using a radius of curvature (132) with a practical maximum of about five times nominal sheet metal thickness gage; and, preferably is formed about multiple radii of curvature (R.sub.L, R.sub.S, R.sub.L) to increase surface area (140) without increasing projection on the clamping plane. Die cavity wall (156) is tapered about 1.degree. to provide increasing cross section with increasing penetration of draw punch (160). Redraw die (90) has a sleeve-like configuration in a cross-sectional plane which includes its central longitudinal axis (70); such configuration enables increase in production rate by enabling coaxial relative movement of such die into work product registry (98,99) which position cups for redraw.

Abstract: A materials press comprising a press table and a sliding table. The contact surfaces between the press table and the sliding table have surface contours which conform to a bending line which would occur in a planar press table when it is placed under a load.

Abstract: A transducer having a regulated power supply for the auxiliary circuits or additional stages using the available power in a transducer module. The voltage required for the regulator is less than lowest transducer circuit output signal as controlled by the output or driver stage. One auxiliary circuit is a self-testing circuit which is responsive to the power-up of the transducer for applying test signals to the transducer for a predetermined time. The tester would include an oscillator for generating test signals in response to a power-up and a disable circuit for disabling the oscillator after the predetermined time as determined by a count of the test signals.

Abstract: Calibration apparatus (40) for a tire testing machine (11) having an A-shaped framework (13) formed by diverging trunions (25, 26) with a spindle (37) having a face seating a wheel for mounting a test tire (T) movably supported between the trunions including, a pair of beam mounting assemblies (42, 42) affixed in spaced relation on the A-shaped framework, a cross beam (75) supported by the pair of beam mounting assemblies, a calibration bar positioning assembly (85) on the cross beam supporting a calibration bar (120) in spaced relation to the face of the spindle, an angle adjusting platform (95) on the calibration bar positioning assembly for selectively angularly orienting the calibration bar relative to the cross beam, an indicator mounting rod (127) extending from the spindle in a direction paralleling the face of the spindle, a dial indicator (130) extending from the indicator mounting rod for engaging the calibration bar at spaced locations upon rotation of the spindle through approximately 180.degree.

Abstract: A pressure differential flowmeter for respiratory flow measurement having enhanced signal processing. The non-linear nature of the signal generated by the differential pressure transducer is accommodated over a wide range of flows via a bank of amplifiers having differing gains, while baseline drift is compensated for by a combined analog and digital auto-referencing technique.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device for splitless vaporizing injection of samples into equipments of gas chromatographic analysis.The technique is applied specially when liquid samples generate volumes of vapors which cannot be housed inside the vaporizing chamber.Inside the vaporisation chamber, kept at high temperature, evaporation of the sample solvent forms a cool zone where the solutes are retained while the solvent vapors expand out of the vaporizing chamber and leave the injector. The sample liquid is kept in place within the vaporization chamber by suitable obstacles or by a packing material. At the end of solvent evaporation, i.e. when cooling ceases, the injection zone returns to the regulated injector temperature and the compounds to be analysed are transferred to the column by the carrier gas.

Abstract: A system for sampling air contained in an appliance shipping container includes a gas analyzer sealably interconnected with a probe by a flexible conduit. Disposed on the lower portion of a side wall of the appliance shipping container is an opening sealably covered by a film patch. A conveyor line arrangement positions the shipping container such that the film patch is disposed adjacent the probe. When the appliance shipping container is detected to be suitably positioned adjacent the probe, an electro-solenoid interconnected with the probe is activated causing the probe to puncture the reflective film patch and permitting an air sample to be drawn from the appliance shipping container into the gas analyzer. If the presence of a vaporized refrigerant is detected, a controller shunts the appliance shipping container to a site for repair of the appliance.

Abstract: Knocking detecting in an internal combustion engine uses, a vibration sensor detecting engine vibrations; and insert for taking-in output vibration signals from the vibration sensor in a plurality of intervals in a time sequential manner during every explosion stroke of the internal combustion engine; performing a digital frequency analysis on the taken-in output vibration signals in the respective sequential intervals; setting a main resonance frequency necessary for knocking occurrence judgement based upon the instant operating condition of the internal combustion engine; calculating knocking indexes for the digital frequency-analyzed output vibration signals in the respective sequential intervals based upon the set main resonance frequency component; comparing the largest knocking index calculated with a predetermined threshold value determined by a background vibration level and a slice level thereof to determine occurrence of knocking; and renewing the respective background vibration levels using the cal

Abstract: In an apparatus for testing pneumatic flow resistance of a test component, such as an air filter useful in a system for admixing parenteral solutions, a pneumatic bridge has two branches connected, via a filter, a flow restrictor, and a flowmeter, to a source of gas under regulated pressure. Each branch comprises two arms with a centerpoint. The bridge has a pressure transducer connected between the centerpoints and arranged to detect pressure imbalances in the bridge. Each arm comprises a flow restrictor, namely a needle valve, which is calibrated via a vernier head. The valves are adjustable to balance the bridge. In one arm, in which the needle valve can be fully opened, the test component is connectible to constitute a flow restrictor. The transducer produces an output displayed via a digital voltmeter, which may be calibrated.

Abstract: The apparatus for measuring a hydraulic fluid flow rate and/or leak rate through an object, particularly a valve, includes an approximately vertical measurement tube, a capacitive sensor mounted on the measurement tube, an equalization vessel extending vertically next to the measurement tube, and a source of hydraulic fluid connected to the equalization vessel and the measurement tube below the capacitive sensor and a source of a pneumatic medium connected to both the equalization vessel and the measurement tube above the capacitive sensor. Hydraulic and pneumatic valves are also provided so that hydraulic fluid can be accommodated in a lower part of the equalization vessel and pneumatic medium in an upper part. A connector tube with a connector valve is connected to the equalization vessel at about the level of the capacitive sensor so that the level of hydraulic fluid can be set at the capacitive sensor in the measurement tube at the beginning of the measurement.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention is a water level probe comprised of a probe body, a sleeve having openings permitting fluid flow and encasing part of a magnetostrictive sensor, and an external housing encasing electronic circuitry for processing and transmitting the electric signal generated by the magnetostrictive sensor and sealing the circuitry from fluids. The sensor comprises a float slidably mounted on a rod, the float designed to float in water but sink in a petroleum product, thereby ensuring that it will float at the interface between the water and the product. The water level probe is used in the method of the invention to measure the depth of the water in a vessel storing hydrocarbon product at predetermined time intervals. The longitudinal angle of inclination of the vessel with respect of the horizon having previously been determined, the volume of water in the vessel is calculated from the depth measurements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and localizing a leak from an above-ground liquid storage tank is disclosed. The invention utilizes a fiber optic chemical sensor to sense vapor from the liquid stored in the tank through a plurality of horizontal bores created at spaced intervals through the strata underneath the tank. Each of the plurality of horizontal bores is connected to a vacuum pump and manifold system which delivers the vapor or liquid present in the strata underneath the tank, resulting from diffusion or leakage in the tank, to the fiber optic chemical sensor. The horizontal bores are created with the use of a pilot which protects the bottom of the tank from punctures and ensures that the bores lie in close proximity to the bottom of the tank, enabling the detection of leaks in the tank as they develop.

Abstract: A capillary rheometer apparatus includes a housing, a plunger, the housing having a reservoir for receiving the plunger in a polymer melt, and a mechanism for blocking flow of the melt out of the reservoir. A driving mechanism is included for driving the plunger longitudinally within the reservoir to move one end of the plunger in contact with the melt. A diaphragm, which is coupled to the one end of the plunger, deflects in response to melt pressure in the reservoir. A mechanism, responsive to diaphragm deflection, determines pressure of the melt. Another mechanism is included for determining the temperature of the melt and a further mechanism is included for indicating longitudinal movement of the plunger. From such determinations, the PVT characteristics and the apparent shear viscosity characteristics of the polymer melt can be obtained.

Abstract: On-line rheological measurements are made utilizing a rheometer of the type in which a first metering pump delivers diverted melt from a process main stream to a capillary passage and a second metering pump returns the diverted melt from the capillary passage to the process main stream and the viscosity of the diverted melt is measured by controlling the rate of flow of the melt through the capillary passage to maintain constant the pressure drop between spaced apart locations along the capillary passage and measuring the temperature of the melt in the capillary passage. The measurements may be made while controlling the speed of the second metering pump independent of the speed of the first metering pump to maintain the pressure at the exit of the capillary passage essentially constant.

Abstract: The reliability of mechanical testing of the hardness of cigarettes with one or more pivotable weights is enhanced by modifying the results of such testing on the basis of signals which are obtained by optically scanning the diameters of successive cigarettes prior to mechanically induced deformation. Optical scanning is carried out by triangulation with a fixedly mounted measuring head. The signals which are obtained with mechanical testing can be further influenced by taking into consideration the moisture content and/or the temperature of tobacco in tested cigarettes.

Abstract: Two dimensional profiling of samples, such as integrated circuits containing trenches or lines, is accomplished using contact force atomic force microscopy by controlling the tip position responsive to the real-time measured local slope of the surface in contact with the tip.

Abstract: In a misfire detector device for use in internal combustion engine, an electrical interrupter circuit on-off actuates a primary current flowing through a primary circuit of an ignition coil to induce a sparkplug voltage which is applied to a multi-electrode type spark plug. A check diode or a series gap is provided in a secondary circuit of the ignition coil so as to prevent a current flowing back to the ignition coil. A sparkplug voltage detector circuit detects an attenuation time length of a sparkplug voltage waveform presented subsequent to a predetermined time period after an end of a spark action of the spark plug. On the basis of the attenuation time length, a distinction circuit determines whether a misfire occurs in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: In a misfire detector device for use in internal combustion engine, an electrical interrupter circuit on-off actuates a primary current flowing through a primary circuit of an ignition coil to induce a spark plug voltage. A check diode is provided in a secondary circuit of the ignition coil to prevent a current flowing back to the ignition coil. The spark plug has a center electrode, a front end of which is projected from an insulator, and an outer surface area of the projected front end being 25 mm.sup.2 or more. A spark plug voltage detector circuit detects an attenuation time length of a spark plug voltage waveform presented subsequent to a predetermined time period occurring after an end of a spark action of the spark plug. On the basis of the attenuation time length, a distinction circuit determines whether a misfire occurs in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Machine assemblies often include driving and driven members such an engine associated with a driven load. These members typically include rotatable shafts (16, 18) interconnected by a flexible coupling element (20). System torsionals in such a machine often cause the shafts (16, 18) to be out of phase with one another. When this occurs, excessive energy is transferred to the coupling element (20). The subject apparatus (22) includes a device (24) for detecting and measuring rotational phase differences between driving and driven rotatable shafts (16, 18). The measured phase differences are compared with a reference phase difference level and an error signal is produced in response to the measured phase difference exceeding the reference level.

Abstract: A wear-detection probe for a brake lining material comprises: a detection conductor which-extends a given length toward the rotor from the side of the brake lining material facing away from the rotor; a probe body housing supporting the detection conductor; a probe connector housing detachably connected to tile probe body housing; and a pair of terminals supported in the probe connector housing, the terminals contacting the detection conductor when the probe connector housing is connected to the probe body housing. The conductor either contacts the rotor or is cut off by the rotor when a predetermined thickness remains in the brake lining material due to wear. Since it is possible to exchange probes without exchanging harnesses, the cost for replacing the probe is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A dynamometric measuring device for a drill pipe which includes, firmly attached to the rotating pipe, sensors disposed in a groove on the pipe and electronics for conditioning the signals supplied by the sensors. The measurement signals are transmitted by a commutator-fixed brush assembly to a fixed, non-rotating part. By providing follower-amplifiers of very low output impedance on the commutator, rotating, portion of the assembly and follower-amplifiers of very high input impedance on the fixed brush side of the assembly, the transmission of signals is carried out at zero current. To assure high quality signal analysis, a separation circuit on the fixed brush side of the assembly separates the DC and AC components of the signal prior to transmission to the surface.

Abstract: This invention provides a device and method for measurement of the actual on-bottom time of a sampling otter trawl used for benthic sampling. The device uses passive measurement of the actual on-bottom time without cables and wires connected to the ship, and is small enough to be mounted on a standard otter trawl door without affecting its net-towing function. The apparatus consists of a sealed bottom contacting and counting sensor which totalizes and displays the accumulated on-bottom time. Power is supplied from a self-contained battery which may be automatically recharged by a solar cell. In operation, a flexible trigger arm is mounted so as to extend below the runner on the bottom edge of the trawl door. When bottom contact is first made, the trigger arm bends and mechanically causes a magnet to move sufficiently close to actuate a magnetic switch inside a transparent electronic data module. An electronic counter inside the module will count minutes and seconds as long as the magnetic switch is closed.

Abstract: The portions on the sides far to each other of two sensor coils wound around the outer circumferential portion of the conduit, through which the fluid passes, at the suitable interval are thermally joined through a thermal conductor and the thermal conductor is heated by means of a heater, whereby the flow rate of fluid can be accurately measured without being influenced by the posture error resulting from the convection.

Abstract: The fluid flow meter includes a flexible membrane clamped between upstream and downstream centering springs to enhance membrane behavior and extend the fluid flow measurement range by automatically adaptively moving the apparent clamping points in response to flow rate. Adaptation of the clamping span alters the relative effective excess membrane length within the clamping span to adapt membrane behavior to flow rate. The upstream centering spring includes a long leaf spring pair cantilevered into the clamping span from the clamping region. The long leaf spring pair is sandwiched within a shorter leaf spring pair active at higher flow rates and formed as part of a guide extending to the chamber surface. The membrane ends are narrowed upstream and downstream of the clamping span to reduce flutter while the upstream intake is split into even laminar flows. The fluid direction is substantially changed at the outlet to minimize membrane distortion.

Abstract: A pipe probe is installed downward into the liquid contained in the tank and is connected pneumatically to a remote reporting unit located in the operator's area. An air pump pressurizes the probe, increasing the pressure up to the point at which the liquid is completely displaced from the probe and bubbles of air evolve from the end of the probe. At that point the pressure is proportional to the height of the liquid in the tank. A pneumatic connection from the probe to the reporting unit refers the pressure to a piezoresistive pressure transducer working in concert with an electronic process controller. The controller produces a voltage output which is reported as a digital numeric readout, reading in volts or in programmed engineering units. Jittery variations in the least significant figure of the numeric readout, which are associated with the evolution of air bubbles from the end of the probe, are eliminated by adding an air tank buffer to the pneumatic system.

Abstract: An improved liquid level measuring apparatus having a plurality of spaced reed switches having a microprocessor attached to the liquid level measuring sensor apparatus. The switches are wired together in parallel and in sets and are addressed by a shift register for providing a parallel to serial shift of the switch status position to the microprocessor. This allows a reduction in the number of conductors existing the sensor and providing an output signal indicating the vertical position of a float relative to the switches. A microprocessor control notes any inoperative switches, disregards the reading of the inoperative switches in calculating liquid level, and provides stored information to the measurement process for compensating for defective switches.

Abstract: A measuring scoop with molded reusable fit clip is disclosed. The measuring scoop includes a bowl with a scraping lip or shoulder used for more effectively lifting product into the bowl, an elongated handle which is integrally mounted on said bowl and a reusable fit clip on the free end of the handle, which clip is used for sealing closed a bag of product. The design of the handle as well as the design of the reusable fit clip extends the life of the molded friction fit clip by improving the clipping force as well as the clip's resistance to deformation from applied stress.

Abstract: To permit quick mounting and unmounting of a wheel (5) on a balancing machine, and rapid interchange of components of the balancing machine when wheels of different sizes arc, to be balanced, the shaft of the balancing machine has a conical surface (10) formed thereon, or is securely coupled to a first conical part (8), against which a radially expansible second conical part (9) can be engaged. The second conical part (9) has an outer cylindrical surface (12) for clamping in the center hole of a hub or wheel disk or the wheel (5) to be balanced. The second conical part (9) has an axially extending portion (9a), which terminates in a spring abutment (15, 16). A spiral spring (21) is placed around the extending portion, the other end of which engages against a radially directed leg portion (20, 24) of an angle ring (18, 25) which overlaps a radially extending stop (17, 22) formed on the outer conical part (9).

Abstract: An accelerometer implementing a capacitive transducer, including circuitry for reducing the effective loading capacitance on a movable vane. The capacitive transducer includes a pair of shields, including an inner shield driven by the output of a unity gain amplifier which is coupled to the movable vane, and a second outer grounded shield isolated from and encompassing both the driven shield and the capacitive transducer. Thus, the accelerometer reduces both the effective parasitic loading capacitance by taking advantage of the well-known Miller theorem, while implementing a second grounded shield without affecting the parasitic loading capacitance to reduce EMI. A more linear capacitive based accelerometer is realized which can be practically implemented in vehicles, including vehicle performance analyzers used in automobiles for detecting changes in G-forces experienced during acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A pressure gauge adapted for use in measuring the pressure of a thixotropic fluid subject to aggregation stagnation in which aggregation of the fluid is prevented by controlling stagnation of a magnetic coating liquid in the vicinity of a pressure sensor, and product quality is improved by removing air mixed into the liquid. An outlet is formed at the vertex of a conical holder. An inlet is formed in the conical surface of the holder at a location offset from the center of the cone defining the holder, which is contained in the outlet. A pressure indicator is mounted in the opening portion in the plane of the cone defining the holder.

Abstract: A new structure of a vacuum meter with good designs of temperature compensation and stabilization, The structure comprises a floating plate made by a micro-machining technique and a thermal sensitive element installed on the floating plate, The floating plate has a number of suspending arms extending outward to supporting the floating plate in a cavity of a semiconductor substrate for good heat isolation. The area of the floating plate and the length and width of the suspending arm has a specific ratio for an optimized sensitivity. A dummy resistor for temperature compensation is composed by a serial connection of a constant resistor with almost zero temperature coefficient and the thermal sensitive elements in a specific ratio. The vacuum meter further overlap on a temperature-controlled thermoelectric cooling device and is covered by a thermal shield so that the temperatures on and circumferential to the floating plate can be maintained stably.

Abstract: Self sensing actuator system using a piezoelectric actuator device allows the device to perform both as an actuator and sensor. The sensor functions can be either measurements of stress or measurements of strain. The actuator can be used as a force generator or positioning device, both in open and closed loop configurations, and is useful for purposes ranging from dynamic damping to shape control (i.e., shaping or controlling deformation of a body).

Abstract: A strain sensor adapted for adhesive attachment to a device element such as a valve stem includes a sensor circuit coupon, a support for the coupon, and a clamp carried by the support for clamping the support around the device element.

Abstract: A method of measuring strain in material by(1) selecting a metallic glass ribbon of the compositionFe.sub.w B.sub.x Si.sub.y C.sub.zwherein0.70.ltoreq.w.ltoreq.0.83,0.10.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.20,0.03.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.10,0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.03, andw+x+y+z=1.00wherein the metallic glass ribbon is essentially strain free and has easy xes of magnetization which are in the plane of the ribbon transverse (at 90.degree.) to the long axis of the ribbon;(2) bonding the metallic glass ribbon to material to be measured by means of a homogeneous viscous organic liquid having a viscosity greater than 10.sup.5 cp at 25.degree. C.;(3) allowing the viscous liquid to relax until the metallic glass ribbon is not stressed by the viscous liquid and is in a state of constant strain within it magnetostrictive dynamic range; and(4) measuring the susceptibility of the metallic glass ribbon which is directly proportional to strain within the material being measured.

Abstract: A vortex flowmeter includes a body having a flow passage, a vortex generator that generates a standing transverse wave in the flow passage, and first wing and second wings in the passage downstream of the generator. A circuit that utilizes sensors in the two wings is provided for first determining an operational phase difference, .DELTA..phi..sub.m between the signals representing movement of the first and second wings. A microprocessor then determines a corrected vortex frequency, .sup.f corr, in response to a ratio of a predetermined calibration phase difference .DELTA..phi..sub.c to the measured phase difference .DELTA..phi..sub.m.

Abstract: A mass flowmeter has a flow tube inserted within the confines of a conduit containing a material flow. Mass flow information is derived for the material flow within the conduit by generating mass flow information for the material flowing within the smaller flow tube positioned within the conduit and then by adjusting the calculations for the flow tube to represent mass flow information for the conduit. In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, a pressurized cover is positioned around the flow tube to isolate the exterior surface of the flow tube from the material in the conduit. The space between the exterior of the flow tube and the cover is pressurized to a pressure equal to that of the material in the conduit. Both sides of the flow tube walls are at the same pressure so that a flow tube comprised of thinner and more flexible material may be used.

Abstract: A position sensor comprises a pair of elongated members of strip or tape shape having a high specific ohmic resistance, and a target member capacitively coupling two electric signals respectively flowing through the pair of elongated members, which target member is disposed in a relationship allowing sliding movements following the pair of elongated members, wherein the position of the target member relative to a reference section of the pair of elongated members is determined as a function of a phase angle difference between an alternating electrical signal supplied to one extremity of one of the pair of elongated members and another alternating electrical signal associated with the supplied electrical signal and taken off from one extremity of the other of the pair of elongated members.

Abstract: A temperature time-of-flight (TOF) sensor is combined with a nozzle of known flow area to create a TOF flowmeter. The TOF measured by the flow sensor provides a measure of gas volumetric flow rate. A TOF sensor has of a pulse heated wire and a single temperature sensor downstream of the wire. This single temperature sensor arrangement allows the accurate measurement of gas velocities much lower than the previously demonstrated limit of 0.3 m/s. The TOF sensor combined with a nozzle creates a new device such that the TOF measured with this device provides a measure of the gas flow rate rather than just the gas velocity. More than one nozzle in series is combined to achieve high flow measuring ranges. Compensation for variations in the thermophysical properties of the gas being metered is provided by pulsing the heated wire and measuring sensor outputs when both are immersed in the gas at zero velocity.

Abstract: A storm water runoff first flush sampler is provided which includes at le one container which has a top and a bottom. A water collection device is also provided which has an inlet end for collecting water and an outlet end for discharging the collected water. The inlet end of the water collection device is located above the top of the container, and the outlet end of the water collection device opens into the container for filling the container with water. A device is also provided for venting air from the container as it is filled with water and discharging the vented air at a level above the top of the water collection device. This arrangement enables automatic termination of gravity flow to the container when water reaches the level of the water collection device.

Abstract: A pipette for emptying liquid and filling with liquid includes a body housing an adjustment mechanism disposed to limit movement of the plunger, the adjustment mechanism being locked with a locking member elastically urged against a notched circle. The notched circle and the adjustment mechanism are rotatable while the locking member is non-rotatably connected to the body. When locked, the locking member rests in the notches of the notched circle, allowing for desired adjustment but preventing inadvertent adjustment of the pipette. A method for locking the pipette is also disclosed.