Abstract: Removal of refrigerant from a closed refrigeration system is achieved without pumping by developing a deep (e.g. 10 to 20 inches of mercury) partial vacuum in a collection vessel by reducing the temperature thereof. The partial vacuum is self-sustaining through the condensation and solidification of collected fluid at cryogenic temperatures and the reduction of vapor pressures thereof. The cryogenic material is preferably applied to the collection vessel by means of a bucket-shaped foam core in which the collection vessel is placed. Grooves formed on the interior of the core provide spacing and frictional engagement with the collection vessel while forming voids for maintaining a cryogenic material in contact with the collection vessel. The safety of a collection system employing the invention is enhanced since the amount of fluid collected can be regulated by the amount of cryogenic material used to condense and solidify the fluid.

Abstract: A process for removing lubricant, hydrocarbons and mixtures thereof from a vapor compression mechanical refrigeration system by using carbon dioxide as a solvent is disclosed. The process is carried out using supercritical, liquified or gaseous carbon dioxide and removes lubricant to a level below about 5% so as to be compatible with environmentally acceptable refrigerants.

Abstract: An air conditioner for a vehicle having a compressor, an outer heat exchanger, a heat-radiating inner heat exchanger an expansion valve, a heat-absorbing inner heat exchanger which are connected thereamong. A connecting condition of these elements is changed into one of a cooling, a heating and a weak heating, by controlling a refrigerant passage switching device. During the cooling, refrigerant in the air conditioner is circulated in the order of at least the outer heat exchanger, the expansion valve, the heat-absorbing inner heat exchanger and the compressor. During the heating the refrigerant is circulated in the order of the heat-radiating inner heat exchanger, the expansion valve, the heat-absorbing inner heat exchanger and the compressor while bypassing the outer heat exchanger. During the weak heating, the refrigerant is circulated in the order of the heat-radiating inner heat exchanger, the expansion valve, at least the outer heat exchanger and the compressor.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance is provided having at least two refrigeration compartments, each compartment having its own access door. The appliance includes a single evaporator located in a plenum which is selectively in communication with each of the compartments, a single compressor, preferably run by a variable speed motor, and a refrigerant circuit including a series of conduits for providing a flow of refrigerant to the evaporator and compressor. A control determines which of the compartments is demanding cooling and operates the refrigeration device until the detected demand for cooling has been satisfied for the particular compartment. Prior to terminating the operation of the refrigeration device, the control determines if the second compartment is demanding cooling or was within a predetermined temperature range prior to demanding cooling. If either condition exists, the refrigeration device is switched to the second compartment until the demand for cooling therein has been satisfied.

Abstract: A DC power supply bus is used to connect a solar cell to an outdoor unit of air conditioners. The output voltage of each outdoor unit is controlled so as to maximize the power generation efficiency of the solar cell and the DC power supplied to the air conditioner is regulated to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A compressor-expander type cooling, or heating system, is incorporated into a heel of a shoe, and is powered by reciprocal gravity pressures upon the shoe which occur naturally during walking. The cooling system functions through a bellows compressor chamber and a separate bellows expander chamber. The movable walls of the expander and the compressor are placed opposite each other, and transmit opposing vector forces to each other. A movable heel portion at the bottom of the shoe transmits movement to the movable walls of the compressor and the expander whenever the person wearing the shoes steps on the heel. This expands the expander and compresses the compressor. A network of heat exchange coils, containing a low boiling point liquid, communicates with the expander, and functions as heat absorbing evaporator. Another network of heat exchange coils communicates with the compressor chamber, and functions as a heat delivering condenser.

Abstract: A vacuum cooler for produce and the like comprising a vacuum tube forming a vacuum chamber into which produce is placed. A vacuum pump lowers the atmospheric pressure while cold water is gently sprayed onto the produce. Water vapor from the produce is condensed, and directed to a sump in the chamber without permitting such condensed water to impinge on the produce. The cooler includes a venting system that admits outside air into the vacuum chamber, gradually returning the chamber to atmospheric pressure, and permitting removal of produce from the chamber.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance is provided which has a freezer compartment, a fresh food compartment and a refrigeration system for cooling the two compartments. Two evaporators operating at different temperatures, or a single evaporator operating at sequentially different temperatures is used in the refrigeration system to provide the cooling of the two compartments. An ice making device is provided in the fresh food compartment, thermally associated with the evaporator used to cool the fresh food compartment operating at a warmer temperature, such that ice is formed and stored in the fresh food compartment. Dispensing means extending through the door of the fresh food compartment are provided to allow for dispensing of ice through the fresh food compartment door.

Abstract: An interchangeable and reversible pierced ear protector kit that includes a sleeve which can be inserted into an ear lobe, and separates the ear from an earring post that extends through the sleeve and is fastened by a retainer clip. Between the retainer clip and the ear is a disk that provides a relatively large surface area to distribute the weight and balance the earring on the ear lobe. The disk also protects the ear lobe from the retainer clip. The kit contains a plurality of shields that have different diameters which corresponds to different earring sizes. Larger shields are used for relatively large earrings, while the smaller shields are installed for relatively small earrings. The shields each have an aperture that has a diameter that is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the shank. Along an end of the shank are a pair of slits that allow the outer shank wall to deflect when the shield is assembled to the ear.

Abstract: The removable jewelry stone setting includes a cover that is pivoted on a finger of the setting to permit the removal and replacement of the jewelry stone. A link is pivotally connected to the other end the cover. At the other end of the link, a lock is pivotally connected to the link and its other end is removably frictionally engaged to the finger. In this way, by releasing the friction fit of the tab of the lock against the finger, the lock and link can be released, so as to permit the pivotal movement of the cover, so as to permit the removal and replacement of the jewelry stone.

Abstract: A process or apparatus can control thread provision in a warp knitting machine by means of a computer (6). The computer operation involves pattern data (MD) supplied as a sequence of numbers. These numbers are provided to a recognition routine (ER), which for every warp course (line W) determines the lapping type (LA) that should be formed and the shogging distance (SW) prescribed. Tables are stored for providing a thread provision value (FZ) for each combination of lapping type (LA), thread take-off value (WA), and a shogging distance (SW). Based upon (a) the determined lapping type, (b) the inputted fabric take-off value, (c) the inputtable external operating parameters or influences, and (d) the determined shogging distance, the thread provision value for this warp course is read out and utilized for controlling thread provision.

Abstract: Needle selecting device (3) of a knitting machine comprised of swinging jacks (5) and further permanent magnets and electromagnets and cams. A pole end (6, 7) of a permanent magnet is selected for each end of the swinging jack (5). The electromagnet pole end (8) is built in least one pole end (6). The push-button (9, 91) is arranged in the space between the pole ends (6, 7) of the permanent magnet to separate one end of the swinging jack (5) from the pole end (6 or 7) of the permanent magnet.

Abstract: An out-of-balance condition detecting system with a lid actuated switching assembly for interrupting operation of a washing machine upon detection of an out-of-balance (OOB) condition or upon a lid of the washing machine being open. The system includes pneumatic generating units for generating a predetermined fluidic pressure in response to excursions of a tub of the washing machine during a spin cycle; an actuator which is fluidly coupled to such generating units for providing an actuating position corresponding to the OOB condition; and a switching assembly which includes a switch responsive to the actuator in its actuating position to interrupt the OOB condition. The switch is further responsive to the lid to deenergize the motor upon the lid being in an open position. The switch which can be either mechanically or magnetically actuated may be designed such that once the OOB condition has been detected, a user is required to open the lid in order to reset operation of the washing machine.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine, in particular of the household type, includes a washing tub (1), a drum (2) holding the washload, a water inlet conduit (5) from the water supply mains, an electromagnetic valve (6) provided in the conduit, an offshoot conduit (7) downstream of the electromagnetic valve and an air break (8). A water dispenser (3) is located above a plurality of compartments (4) for holding washing and rinsing agents. A siphon (10) is installed between the compartments and the washing tub, and a conduit (9) is positioned between the siphon and the water dispenser. A second water offshoot conduit (13) is provided with a respective air break (15) and is situated between the electromagnetic valve (6) and the air gap (8), wherein the second water offshoot conduit (13) flows into the conduit (9).

Abstract: An improved door for a horizontal axis fabric treatment machine. The door is designed to removably cover an access opening in a perforated inner drum and includes a series of interwoven elongated fabric strips which are attached at each end to the drum by a series of buckles. The buckles include a frame portion attached to the drum and a tongue portion attached to an end of the elongated fabric strip. The fabric strips define living hinges adjacent each end thereof, allowing the door to open in a number of directions. The access opening is revealed by opening the buckles on three sides of the door, and pivoting the door about the living hinge provided on the fourth side. The buckles allow the door to be completely removed and replaced without tools. The door exploits membrane stiffness to retain, support, and transfer the weight or load from the door to the surrounding drum.

Abstract: A small and lightweight, and thus hand carried storage case for a handgun is provided in a plastic rectangular container having a lockable lid. The interior chamber of the case is sized and structured for securely retaining a handgun in a stationary position. The interior floor of the storage case has a hollow cylindrical post over which the trigger guard of the handgun must be placed when inserted into the case. An aperture located on the lid aligns with the hollow post, creating a passageway through the case. The passageway is structured for retaining a small lock bolt which is retained in position with a conventional padlock. Once the lid is affixed to the case and secured with the locking apparatus, the gun cannot be removed from the case.

Abstract: A locking device for locking a steering wheel of a vehicle includes a stick having a frame fixed on the middle portion for engaging with the steering wheel of the vehicle, a notch is formed in the frame, and a block is slidably engaged on the stick and has a catch engageable with the stick so as to lock the stick in place, the block includes an extension engaged with the notch of the frame so as to lock the steering wheel in place.

Abstract: A clamp assembly to effectively lock and or prevent a wheel on a trailer or like wheeled vehicle from rotating to in turn prevent the unauthorized movement or theft of the trailer including two clamp members movable towards and away from one another and wherein each clamp member is disposed in overlying and or confronting engagement with either the front face or rear face of the wheel. The two clamp members may be positioned and locked into an operative position such that the various components of the two clamp members adapted to collectively surround a peripheral or tread portion of the wheel are positioned such that rotation of the wheel is impossible due to the fact that the clamp assembly will eventually come into contact with the undercarriage of the vehicle upon attempted rotation of the wheel through unauthorized movement of the trailer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved lock device in which a slider is movable in either a locking direction or a releasing direction only when the amounts of projections of plural tumblers mounted on the slider correspond to the dimensions of plural holes punched in a lock card. When the lock card is slidingly inserted into a card groove under the release condition, the lock card successively presses a stopper disposed on the insertion side and the plural tumblers into tumbler chambers in the slider and then hits against a stopper disposed on the exit side, which projects into an adjustment groove. Here tapered tips of the tumblers are fitted into and engaged with the corresponding holes formed in the lock card, and engagement projections on the tumblers are all located in a sliding groove. The slider is thus movable together with the lock card.

Abstract: A core lock assembly which is operable by two differently bitted keys is disclosed. The core lock assembly includes a shell defining a hollow portion for receiving a core which is capable of rotating to a first position under the control of a first key and to a second position under the control of a second, differently bitted key. The core lock assembly also includes a core rotation mechanism housed in the core for changing from a locked state to a first core rotatable state when the core rotation mechanism is engaged by the first key and for changing from the locked state to a second core rotatable state when the core rotation mechanism is engaged by the second key. The inner surface of the shell defines locking, first and second surface areas for cooperating with the core rotation mechanism.

Abstract: A shaft clutch mechanism, and method and apparatus for its production are disclosed. The shaft clutch mechanism has an upper body folded into a polygonal cross section with a plurality of fingers, each finger attached to and extending from a flat section of the upper body. The shaft clutch mechanism is pressed on to one end of an inner nested element of a telescoping body and is placed inside an outer element where the fingers are slightly deformed, providing slight friction sufficient to hold the inner element in place, but still allowing it to slide relative to the outer element. The method and apparatus for producing the shaft clutch mechanism use a two stage press and a bending device to take a continuous strip of material to form blanks which then are bent to form the shaft clutch mechanism that is pressed on to the inner element of the telescoping body.

Abstract: In a method of forming expanded metal mesh from a deformable strip which includes the steps of preforming and slitting the strip by intermeshing tooth segments of at least an upper disk and a lower disk with the strip passing therebetween, wherein the tooth segments each include linear leading and trailing surfaces joined at an apex defining a nose angle, and intersecting respective tangents to a radius of the disk at circumferentially spaced locations defining entry and exit angles, respectively, an improvement which includes selecting the exit angle in accordance with the formula: ##EQU1## where R=radius of tooth root;D=depth of tooth; andT=strip thickness.

Abstract: Method to carry out bends of a bundle (13) of bars having a diameter up to 32 mm.

Abstract: A non-interference control method and device in which an object to be controlled, which is controlled by a plurality of operation quantities and at least one control quantity, is divided into a plurality of partial control systems so that each of the partial control systems has at least one operation quantity and at least one partial control system has more than two operation or control quantities, wherein to the operation quantity in one partial control system is added a compensating element which annuls influences exerted by other partial control systems on said one partial control system, said object to be controlled being controlled on the basis of the relevant compensated operation quantity.

Abstract: A method of forming a number of sizes of hollow shaft nutdrivers from a common size metal tube workpiece. The method comprises three steps to form a hex drive socket on one end of a metal tube workpiece, and a fourth step to form a plurality of raised wings on the other end of the metal tube workpiece for retaining the other end of the then finished nutdriver in a handle.

Abstract: There are described a coupling having the bullet-shaped projections on a cylindrical holding portion for preventing a hose from coming off from the holding portion and a method of manufacturing the same. The coupling is capable of preventing the hose from being broken by the projections thereof by rounding the end edges of the projections, which leads to stability of the coupling for a long time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for testing dissipative mechanical phenomena, including fretting wear. An actuator (54) effects frictional oscillatory slip motion between a stylus (32) and a workpiece (30) in contact. A displacement transducer (62) detects the amplitude of the slip motion, and a control loop (60) responds to the displacement transducer controls the actuator to provide constant amplitude slip motion under changing frictional fretting wear conditions of the workpiece as the workpiece wears during the oscillatory slip motion. The oscillator is driven at its resonant frequency, and the power required to maintain constant amplitude slip motion at resonant frequency is monitored (64).

Abstract: A method is described for determining the wheel speed during braking of a vehicle having in addition to at least one wheel with speed sensor at least one further wheel without speed sensor and means for determining the braking pressure. For this purpose, the braking operation is subdivided into several time intervals during which the relative value from the braking energy and the kinetic energy of the vehicle are obtained, and the contribution of the wheels without speed sensors to the braking energy is defined during a first time interval. Furthermore, the ratio of the relative value in this time interval to the relative values in further time intervals is formed, and the mean value for the wheel speed of all wheels without speed sensors is ascertained in the further time intervals from the ratio of the relative values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for approximating the life of a gasket used in a predetermined environment is provided which allows for the long-term exposure to the environment to be simulated over a shortened period of time. The method and apparatus utilize the steps of placing a gasket sample in a test assembly, clamping the gasket sample within the test assembly at a predetermined clamping pressure whereby a chamber is formed within the interior of the gasket sample, filling the chamber with a gas at a predetermined pressure from a gas fill system, changing the temperature of the gasket sample over a predetermined number of temperature cycles, and measuring the amount of the gas which leaks from the chamber. The apparatus may also include a pressure control system for changing the pressure within the chamber over a predetermined number of pressure cycles or in response to predetermined temperature conditions.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled timer is installed in a petroleum service station product dispensing system that includes a pump relay, a pump, a dispenser, and a leak detection monitor. The timer activates pump relays to pressurize a liquid product line that runs from a tank to the dispenser at predetermined intervals to compensate for thermal contraction during product line leakage testing. Prior to activating pump relays, the timer has circuitry to determines if product is currently being dispensed. If product is being dispensed, the timer waits until dispensing has halted before activating pump relays to pressurize the product line. Also prior to activating pump relays, the timer has circuitry to determine if pump operation should be inhibited and if so halts before activating pump relays. Optical isolation is used between the timer and pump relays and a dispenser switch.

Abstract: A method for measuring thermally corrected leak rates in a pressurized pipeline system. The pipeline system is pressurized to at least two different pressures, and changes of volume of product required to maintain approximately constant pressure are measurized at each pressure. A temperature-compensated volume rate is computed.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 for testing seal integrity includes a test chamber 24 for receiving a sealed article 12 containing a tracer fluid, a reservoir chamber 44, and an analysis instrument 20 for detecting the presence of tracer fluid leaked from the article 12. A reservoir valve 64 in a conduit 58 coupled between the reservoir chamber 44 and the analysis instrument 20 has an open position for enabling a vacuum to be created in the reservoir chamber 44 using the analysis instrument 20. When closed, the reservoir valve 64 blocks fluid communication between the reservoir chamber 44 and the analysis instrument 20 to isolate the vacuum in the reservoir chamber 44. A valve 48 in a conduit 38 coupled between the test chamber 24 and the reservoir chamber 44 has a closed position for blocking fluid communication between the test chamber and the reservoir chamber. This prevents a pressure change in the test chamber 24 during creation of the vacuum in the reservoir chamber 44.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting the location of leaks along a wall or piping system, preferably in double-walled piping. The apparatus comprises a sniffer probe, a rigid cord such as a length of tube attached to the probe on one end and extending out of the piping with the other end, a source of pressurized air and a source of helium. The method comprises guiding the sniffer probe into the inner pipe to its distal end, purging the inner pipe with pressurized air, filling the annulus defined between the inner and outer pipe with helium, and then detecting the presence of helium within the inner pipe with the probe as is pulled back through the inner pipe. The length of the tube at the point where a leak is detected determines the location of the leak in the pipe.

Abstract: A multi-port tool which tests for leaks in the seals of a control rod drive that has been removed from its housing. The fixture is attached to the flange of the control rod drive using quick-release clamps. Two ports of the fixture are respectively coupled to the insert and withdraw ports of the control rod drive. A source of demineralized water at a constant pressure is applied to an inlet port of the leak test fixture. The pressurized water is applied to the control rod drive while the index tube is restrained by a restraining rig. A number of valves are selectively opened or closed to provide a flow path for the pressurized water to either the insert port or the withdraw port. The leakage rate at each of a number of leakage points is determined when the pressurized water is applied at the insert port only and again when the pressurized water is applied at the withdraw port only.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided wherein the foam inhibiting effectiveness of defoaming and antifoaming additives on various types of foamable liquid mediums is measured. A single generally cylindrical foam cell having openings at both ends is provided wherein an interchangeable foam cell insert having varied geometry is longitudinally disposed within the foam cell. The foam cell insert is provided with a plurality of centralizer walls extending into the foam cell with an agitator member being carried by the centralizer walls. Foamable liquid medium is introduced into the foam cell and recirculated therethrough to form a dynamic fluid-flow system. As the liquid medium passes through both the foam cell and the foam cell insert, it comes into contact with the agitator member carried by the centralizer walls of the foam cell insert forming foam which accumulates in the foam cell.

Abstract: A chassis dynamometer apparatus and method for testing motor vehicles includes at least one roll for engaging the driven wheels of the vehicle. A power supplying and/or absorbing unit such as an electric motor supplies and/or absorbs power from the roll. In addition, a force transducer and speed sensor are coupled to the roll for providing force and speed signals. Signals representative of the desired vehicle inertia, the road load to be simulated, the forces attributable to the parasitic losses and the out-of-loop inertia of the dynamometer and vehicle are also provided. A system controller in response to the above signals controls the power supplying and/or absorbing unit in accordance with: ##EQU1## where: Vd=the desired roll velocity;Fm=the measured force signal associated with the roll;PL=the dynamometer parasitic loss signal;RL=the road load signal;Io=The out-of-loop inertia of the dynamometer and vehicle;Ac=the roll acceleration signal;Iv=the vehicle inertia signal; anddt=the interval of integration.

Abstract: A control system for a chassis dynamometer for bench testing vehicular performance, comprises at least one roller rotatably coupled with a vehicular wheel said roller to be driven by driving torque transmitted from said vehicular wheel therefrom, at least one dynamometer coupled with the roller to be driven by driving torque transmitted through the roller, a first monitor for monitoring preselected control parameters for providing first chassis dynamometer control data, a second monitor for monitoring rotary components in a system associated with the dynamometer including the dynamometer per se, for providing second chassis dynamometer control data, and a control signal generator for receiving the first and second chassis dynamometer control parameters for deriving a dynamometer control signal generating a control signal to said dynamometer for providing a rolling resistance to said vehicular wheel at said roller simulating a predetermined vehicular driving condition.

Abstract: A misfire detecting system for an internal combustion engine, including an intake pipe internal pressure detecting device for detecting an internal pressure of an intake pipe of the internal combustion engine, and a misfire detection inhibiting device for inhibiting the detection of misfire when the internal pressure of the intake pipe detected by the intake pipe internal pressure detecting device is lower than an intake pipe internal pressure in a no-load condition.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement for assisting an operator to adjust a carburetor. The arrangement has a display for the setting of the carburetor of an internal combustion engine such as a two-stroke engine. An actual signal proportional to the carburetor setting is compared to desired limit values by means of a comparator and the display is switched in dependence upon the comparison result by a control unit into different operating states. The display assumes a first operating state below a minimum desired limit value and, between the minimum and maximum desired values, the display is switched into a second operating state. The arrangement for carburetor adjustment makes it possible for the operator to recognize whether the actual signal is above or below the window determined by the desired limit values. This is achieved in that, above the maximum desired limit value, the display is switched into a third operating state, for example, by driving the display intermittently.

Abstract: A process steers vehicle wheels rolling on test stands in order to determine vehicle behavior under actual operating conditions. In order to reproducibly create anticipated riding comfort on the test stand which, in addition to the swaying and shaking motions of the vehicle itself also includes the avoidance of driving noises in the interior of the vehicle and also noises that arise when the trunk and hood make movements relative to the chassis when subjected to great vertical forces, the wheels are steered only as a function of the measurable lateral excursions of one point of a vehicle part from its resting position with respect to a stationary reference point present outside of the vehicle. These excursions occur as a result of lateral motions of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for profiling of a gas and liquid producing wells comprising compiling calibration data from measuring instruments within non-in situ test equipment, valuing downhole gas and liquid density, determining average values for downhole instrument measurements and predicting, utilizing the above information, a percent of total gas flow and a percent of total liquid flow at a downhole depth.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the flow rate of a flowing medium in the presence of pulsating flows and/or backflows, having a substrate as a carrier and a resistor arrangement located on the substrate for sensing medium flows. The resistor arrangement includes a temperature-sensitive resistor (R.sub.s), a heating resistor (R.sub.h), and compensation (R.sub.k) and bridge resistors (R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3), which are arranged to create a feedback circuit that establishes a constant temperature environment, allowing electrical measurement of the flow mass. The substrate includes a fixed portion at one end, and two unfixed legs at the other end, the two legs divided by a notch. The width of each of the first leg and the notch is from 30 to 50 percent of the total width of the substrate, while the width of the second leg is at least 10 percent of the total width of the substrate.

Abstract: A bottom referencing fuel tank sender assembly has a first bracket and a second bracket which are slidable relative to one another. The second bracket is biased against the floor of the tank and carries the sender assembly. Both brackets are meal pressings, with the guides for guiding the relative movement being formed by the material of the brackets themselves.

Abstract: This invention relates to an acceleration sensor system having a self-checking operation of an air bag safety system while a vehicle is being driven. An acceleration sensor element suitable for self-checking while a vehicle is driven is obtained by a planar piezoelectric element supported so that it can vibrate, a detecting electrode provided on an upper face of the planar piezoelectric element, and an actuator to add vibrations at a predetermined frequency to the planar piezoelectric element. A sensitivity checking circuit generates a sensitivity checking signal representing sensitivity of an acceleration sensed from a detected signal. A signal processing circuit generates an acceleration signal representing the applied acceleration to the acceleration sensor from the detected signal.

Abstract: The miniaturizable sensor comprises an insulating substrate (10) supporting first measurement electrode (24) and comprising a flexible measurement arm (18) of conductive or semiconductor material, one end of which is secured to the substrate (10) and the other end of which constitutes a second electrode facing the first electrode. The first end of the measurement arm is secured to the substrate via a beam (16) having a bending modulus at least ten times greater than that of the measurement arm (18) and substantially parallel to the measurement arm and via a foot (14) rigidly secured to the substrate (10) and situated between the two ends of the measurement arm, the connections of the beam (16) to the measurement arm (18) and to the foot (14) being of the fixed-end type.

Abstract: An acoustic imaging system includes pairs of variable gain amplifiers for deriving essentially pairs of signals from respective signals generated in respective ultrasonic vibrators and the pairs of signals are superimposed on each other in a time difference corresponding to a phase angle of .pi./2 in frequency of ultrasonic waves. Amplification factors of the variable gain amplifiers are controlled so that the desired phase shift of the superimposed signals is obtained to attain dynamic focusing. Another acoustic imaging system includes a switch circuit having a two stage matrix switches construction that performs matrix switch functions in a smaller number of switch elements. Still another acoustic imaging system includes constituents for the aforementioned phase control for fine adjustment of delay time, the aforementioned switch circuit for rough adjustment of delay time, and variable gain amplifiers that perform smooth switching of the delay time.

Abstract: A multilayer flexible circuit for sensing physical properties of a structural surface 12 capable of surviving exposure in harsh environments through the use of isolation materials 70 disposed within the flexible circuit 10.

Abstract: A pressure sensor comprising a passage for introducing a pressurized medium; a member surrounding the passage; first and second sealants disposed between the member and the passage for preventing the pressurized medium from leaking to the outside through a clearance between the member and the passage; and a pressure sensing element communicating with the passage; the first sealant being made of a first material which is difficult to be deformed by the pressurized medium; the second sealant being made of a second material having a sealing effect against temperature change; the first and second sealants being arranged in series between the passage and the member surrounding the passage.

Abstract: A semiconductor type differential pressure measurement apparatus is disclosed comprising a measuring diaphragm having its periphery fixed, and two measuring chambers, each having a predetermined spacing along both surfaces of the measuring diaphragm, and which detects differential pressure within allowable limits of measurement. When an overpressure is applied, the diaphragm is stopped by a wall of a measuring chamber to prevent the diaphragm from being damaged by overpressure, so that no additional mechanism is required to prevent damage from overpressure. One embodiment utilizes an additional chamber and overhang to reduce overpressure. Another embodiment utilizes a measuring chamber having the two sides of the diaphragm exposed to the ambient to eliminate need for a pressure resistant casing. In a further embodiment, injected impurities serve as a terminal.

Abstract: A device for measuring strain in substrates at high temperatures in which the thermally induced apparent strain is nulled. Two gages are used, one active gage and one compensating gage. Both gages are placed on the substrate to be gaged; the active gage is attached such that it responds to mechanical and thermally induced apparent strain while the compensating gage is attached such that it does not respond to mechanical strain and measures only thermally induced apparent strain. A thermal blanket is placed over the two gages to maintain the gages at the same temperature. The two gages are wired as adjacent arms of a Wheatstone bridge which nulls the thermally induced apparent strain giving a true reading of the mechanical strain in the substrate.