Abstract: The air-furl ratio of an air-fuel mixture supplied to an internal combustion engine is controlled in response to an output from at least one oxygen sensor arranged in an exhaust passage for detecting concentration of oxygen present in exhaust gases. The deterioration of the at least one oxygen sensor is detected based on the output therefrom. When the engine is detected to be in a predetermined abnormal operating state, it is not permitted to monitor the output from the oxygen sensor for detecting deterioration thereof.

Abstract: An abnormality-detecting device is provided for an internal combustion engine having first and second oxygen sensors arranged in the exhaust system at locations upstream and downstream of a catalytic converter. An ECU detects the degree of deterioration of the catalytic converter, based on an output from the second oxygen sensor, and sets a reference value for determining an abnormality in the engine, based on the detected degree of deterioration of the catalytic converter. The ECU compares between the set reference value and a value based on an output from the first oxygen sensor, and determines the abnormality in the engine, based on the result of the comparison. Upon detection of the abnormality, an LED is actuated to issue an alarm.

Abstract: An engine exhaust gas cleaning system including a converter section that is disposed at the rear end of the exhaust pipe and which has an outer shell that is surrounded by a further outer shell having a rearwardly disposed atmospheric air inlet and a forwardly disposed atmospheric air outlet that communicates with the inlet of the converter through a venturi section. This heats the air admitted to the converter and also insures that any exhaust sound or exhaust leakage will be disposed rearwardly.

Abstract: A hydro-mechanical transmission 10 having fluid motor 48 that is entirely rotatable to eliminate the need for separate gearing is disclosed. The gearless hydro-mechanical transmission 10 provides a variable speed and torque output from an external mechanical power source 14 and an external hydraulic power source 20.

Abstract: Rotary actuators and other mechanical devices incorporating shape memory alloys are provided herein. Shape memory alloys are a group of metals which when deformed at temperatures below their martensite temperatures, resume the shapes which they had prior to the deformation if they are heated to temperatures above their austensite temperatures. Actuators in which shape memory alloys are employed include bias spring types, in which springs deform the shape memory alloy (SMA), and differential actuators, which use two SMA members mechanically connected in series. Another type uses concentric cylindrical members. One member is in the form of a sleeve surrounding a cylinder, both being constructed of shape memory alloys. Herein two capstans are mounted on a shaft which is supported in a framework. Each capstan is capable of rotating the shaft. Shape memory wire, as two separate lengths of wire, is wrapped around each capstan to form a winding around that capstan.

Abstract: An electrothermal actuator includes a housing containing a working fluid and a heater disposed in the fluid within the housing. A piston is slidably disposed in the housing for movement in response to heating and cooling of the working fluid. An output member is coupled to the piston and movable between first and second positions for transmitting a drive force from the piston to a load. A latch mechanism is operatively connected to the output member for releasably latching the output member in the second position without continuously heating the working fluid. The latch mechanism includes a coil and a magnetic member that releases the latch in response to a force produced by a magnetic field generated when a current flows through the coil. The output member can move linearly or rotationally.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure transmitting apparatus for energizing power cylinders of the kind useful in moving load-carrying platforms on vehicles or the like, being of extremely compact structure on account of a manifold constituted by an end section of a cylinder housing all essential pressure fluid conduits and control valves, as well as connectors for external pressure cylinders being provided with the manifold.

Abstract: A method of cryogenically separating a mixture of atmospheric gases within a distillation column system having at least one distillation column. In accordance with the method, liquid and gaseous phases of the mixture of atmospheric gases to be separated are countercurrently passed through structured packing. The column is operated with a pressure greater than 2 bars and with a vapor rate of the vapor phase that is less than a critical vapor rate at which the column floods and which varies with the liquid rate of the liquid phase. Minimum and critical vapor rates at which the column floods are set in accordance with experimentally derived data for maximum column utilization in terms of packing volume or column throughput. Additionally, separation performance in terms of HETP increases with the increase in pressure so that a lower than prior art height of structured packing can be used to obtain a particular separation.

Abstract: A process for simultaneously providing both high and low purity oxygen from a double column, double reboiler apparatus, the double columns being high and low pressure columns, the low pressure column having a lower and upper reboiler with an intermediate outlet in between, which process entails extracting a low purity oxygen stream at the intermediate outlet and a high purity liquid oxygen stream from a bottom portion of the low pressure column.

Abstract: Two embodiments (FIGS. 1+ & FIGS. 5+) of a double, by-pass valve system for a closed refrigerant system allowing its safe servicing, the first being included in the original manufacturing of the compressor unit in the refrigerant exit line of the compressor (FIG. 4 ) and the second installed as a retro-fit on the compressor unit and provided "in-line" in the liquid refrigerant line. In the first a double valve body with a transverse bore through a main shut-off valve allows the flow of refrigerant to pass or be shut down to the rest of the system, while a secondary, access port with a transverse bore intersects the main flow valve on the upstream side of the seats by means of a manifold bore, providing a by-pass passageway to an access connection (minus a depressible valve core or "Schrader" valve) for a refrigerant hose to connect to the manifold charging gauges, allowing communication with the closed refrigerant system.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling components or subassemblies of equipment at one or more locations comprises a first reactor located at a remote location from said equipment, and a second reactor located in heat exchange communication with a component or subassembly of said equipment, each of said first or second reactors containing a different complex compound of a polar refrigerant and a metal salt, wherein the equilibrium temperature of the complex compound in said first reactor differs from the equilibrium temperature of the complex compound in said second reactor by between about 10.degree. C. and about 150.degree. C. at the same operating pressure, heating means for heating a complex compound in said first reactor, and conduit means for directing polar refrigerant between said reactors.

Abstract: In a dual-purpose cooling/heating air conditioner, refrigerant is conducted from an evaporator to an accumulator and then into a compressor. The accumulator includes an electric heater for heating the refrigerant to a desired minimum superheat level in order to promote the evaporation of liquid refrigerant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to refrigerate air in a compartment wherein liquid CO.sub.2 is delivered through a first primary heat exchanger such that sufficient heat is absorbed to evaporate the liquid carbon dioxide to form pressurized vapor. The pressurized vapor is heated in a gas fired heater to prevent solidification of the pressurized carbon dioxide when it is depressurized to provide isentropic expansion of the vapor through pneumatically driven fan motors into a secondary heat exchanger. Orifices in inlets to the fan motors and solenoid valves in flow lines to the fan motors keep the vapor pressurized while the heater supplies sufficient heat to prevent solidification when the CO.sub.2 vapor expands through the motors. CO.sub.2 vapor is routed from the second heat exchanger to chill surfaces in a dehumidifier to condense moisture from a stream of air before it flows to the heat exchangers.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for mounting a thermostat capillary in close proximity to the inside face of the indoor heat exchanger of a room air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a thermostat mounted in operational proximity to the heat exchanger which has a capillary extending therefrom. The indoor heat exchanger includes a flat surface adapted to receive a flow of air therethrough and having a pair of tube sheets at opposite ends thereof. One of the tube sheets is adjacent the capillary. Both of the tube sheets extend forwardly from the flat surface of the indoor heat exchanger a distance at least as far as the thickness of the capillary. The tube sheet adjacent to the capillary has a recess formed therein to receive the capillary.

Abstract: An environmental control system includes a refrigeration loop including a two-stage variable speed centrifugal compressor having a low pressure compressor in flow communication with a high pressure compressor and having an inlet and an outlet, a condenser having an inlet connected with the compressor outlet and an outlet, an evaporator having an inlet connected with the condenser outlet and an outlet connected with the compressor inlet and an expansion valve connected between the condenser outlet and the evaporator inlet, and a selectively operative bypass valve in flow communication with the low pressure compressor discharge and the compressor inlet for partially recirculating a portion of the low pressure compressor discharge back to the compressor inlet to regulate compressor flow balance.

Abstract: A refrigeration system having a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator between the condenser and the compressor. A controllable valve unit at the input side of the evaporator has degrees of opening for controlling fluid flow through said evaporator. A control unit controls the degrees of opening of the valve unit. Sensors connected to the control unit and opposite ends of the evaporator detect superheat temperatures between the input and output sides of the evaporator. The control unit is operable to control the degrees of valve opening in accordance with the superheat temperatures (1) at a first greater desired opening and closing displacement rate between desired predetermined minimum and maximum values of a first range of superheat temperature values and (2) at a second opening and closing rate lesser than the first displacement rate for a second range of superheat temperature values lower than the first range of values.

Abstract: An integral type air conditioning apparatus in which a ventilation operation lever and a ventilation door are integrated with each other.

Abstract: A suspension system for a component of an air conditioning system adapted for mounting the air conditioning system to a support surface. The suspension system is designed for use with an air conditioning system component that is mounted on spaced apart support rails. The suspension system is integrated into the support rail and eliminates the need for a self contained suspension system that must have specially designed mounting points for attachment to the support rails. The integrated design provides for resistance to lateral loads and facilitates the interchange and replacement of suspension system components. The suspension system comprises a spring for absorbing motion occurring between the air conditioning system component and the support surface. The spring has a first end and a second end, and defines a spring axis extending between the two ends. A receptacle is formed integral to a respective one of the support rails for supporting the first end of the spring.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cooling construction of an outer unit in an air conditioner in which an inner unit for supplying a cooled air into a room and the outer unit for cooling down a heat generated from the air cooling, are integrated, comprising a housing having one pair of air discharge openings, each one opening being positioned on one of oppositely positioned sidewalls of the housing, a heat exchanger mounted in front of the housing, and drawing-in/discharging part for drawing-in an outside air into the housing through the heat exchanger and discharging the drawn-in air to outside of the housing through the one pair of the air discharge openings mounted on the housing corresponding to each air discharge openings.

Abstract: An oil management system for a refrigeration system having a screw compressor for pressurizing and circulating refrigerant through the system and an evaporator having a shell enclosing a chamber for allowing phase change of the refrigerant. A suction line is provided to fluidly connect the evaporator chamber to the inlet side of the compressor. The suction line is sealed about an opening in the shell and has a distal end projecting into the chamber below the seal. A reservoir is positioned within the chamber, below the suction line. The reservoir is employed for collecting lubrication oil migrating down the suction line during low load operation of the compressor so that when the level of oil in the reservoir reaches a predetermined level, the opening in the distal end of the line will be restricted thereby increasing the flow velocity proximate thereto causing reintroduction of the oil into the compressor.

Abstract: A combination padlock with an improved rocker assembly as looking control device. The combination padlock contains a slide plate, a rocker assembly, a shackle, a predetermined number of numbered wheels, and a plurality of wheel sleeves respectively matching the numbered wheels. The slide plate is provided with a predetermined number of semicircular holes, each of the semicircular holes is adapted for receiving a spring and one of the wheel sleeves. An oblong hole is located between two of the semicircular holes, each of the semicircular holes is further provided with an angled flange corresponding in angle and dimension to a notch provided in each of the wheel sleeves. When a correct combination is dialed, the notches match the angles and the lock is unlocked. The rocker assembly contains a rocking hole, a retaining bar, and a rocking shaft.

Abstract: A machine for forming a metallic tubular section in which the tubular section is located, retained, has at least one end formed, filled with fluid that is then pressurized within the tube section, and bend formed into a predetermined shape, all at a single station of the machine. A second station, either coupled with or independent from the first station functions to locate a tube section, retain it, cut off a portion of the tube section, form at least one end of the tube section, and provide for removal of the tube section therefrom. The tube sections are preferably crossover fittings. The present invention further comprises a method of manufacturing a full crossover fitting and a method of manufacturing a half crossover fitting.

Abstract: To form a seal ring groove in the outer peripheral surface of a steel plate having a circular contour, the present invention provides a method of producing fluid-chamber component elements by which the peripheral portion of the steel plate held by and between a pair of rotary molds is thickened with the use of a roller before the seal ring groove is formed. According to the method of the present invention, a preliminary thickened portion is first formed at the peripheral portion of the steel plate. Then, there is formed, at the outer peripheral surface of the steel plate, a final thickened portion having such a thickness that the seal ring groove can be formed therein. This prevents the steel plate from being buckling by a pushing force applied by a roller at the time when forming the final thickened portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved materials for fabricating can bodies. In particular, the present invention relates to can tooling components fabricated from whisker-reinforced silicon nitride having from about 5 to about 15 weight percent whiskers with an average diameter of at least about 0.75 micrometers. The material preferably has a thermal expansion coefficient of less than about 3.5.times.10.sup.-6 per .degree.C. and a friction coefficient of from about 0.20 to about 0.24. The present invention also provides a method for reducing the trim height of can bodies formed using a can tooling apparatus.

Abstract: A procedure for manufacturing corrugated tubes includes providing an outer mold arranged to envelop a region of a tube to be deformed. The outer mold includes a plurality of flat annular elements capable of being displaced in a radial direction. A counter-mold is situated in the interior of the tube. The counter-mold includes identical and independent parts, radially displaceable simultaneously between an end position in which the independent parts are applied against the walls of the tube to cooperate with the pressing action of the annular elements of the outer mold to an opposite end position in which the independent parts are remote from the walls, allowing the corrugated tube to be removed from between the outer mold and the counter-mold.

Abstract: An improved turbidimeter apparatus (10) is provided for accurate, rapid, field testing of fresh concrete mixes in order to determine the water-cement ratios thereof. The apparatus (10) includes an upright sieve chamber (12) adapted to receive a concrete sample (56), together with a turbidimeter (14); a recirculation system (16) is interposed between the chamber (12) and turbidimeter (14), and permits separation of the aggregate from the concrete sample (56) and formation of a dilute dispersion suitable for turbidimetric determinations. In use, dilute water-cement dispersions are created using the apparatus (10) and turbidimeter determinations are made via turbidimeter (14); these readings can then be used with standard, previously developed water-cement ratio versus turbidimeter reading curves to accurately measure the initial water-cement ratios of concrete mixes.

Abstract: A flexible adaptor mounts an aircraft gas turbine engine to a test stand. The adaptor includes an upper frame configured for mounting on the test stand, and a lower frame spaced from the upper frame and configured for supporting the engine. A spring flexibly joins the lower frame to the upper frame to simulate the flexibility of an aircraft wing which supports the engine during operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a robot to simulate driving of a motor vehicle while the vehicle is actually on a chassis dynamometer includes provision for quickly, automatically, and accurately determining an accelerator gain factor to be used by the robot in actuating the accelerator of the motor vehicle to achieve predetermined vehicle speeds and accelerations. As a result, the simulated driving of the motor vehicle can be achieved so that the vehicle may be tested according to a predetermined travel pattern. To determine the accelerator gain, a proportional gain is determined on the basis of differences in incremental accelerator openings and resulting accelerations's while the motor vehicle is in a selected transmission gear. A product of the gain multiplied by a coefficient based on the various transmission ratios available is used as the accelerator gain dependent upon the particular transmission ratio selected during a test sequence.

Abstract: The test cell has a pressure recovery pipe (26) receiving air from the tested engine (14). Excess air is inherently induced into the pipe. A source flow path for this excess air is provided from within the pipe (36) back to the entrance the pipe passing through a perforated bulkhead (30). High local velocities of the recirculating air, resulting variable static pressures on the engine and uncertainty in the thrust measurement are avoided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for catalytic aging and a system for catalytic aging. The system modifies the operation of the engine while running in combination with a catalyst, making the engine a programmable gas generator for the catalyst. The present invention allows an operator to alter the operation of the engine by varying the signals to the engine's injectors, thereby altering the exhaust gas of the engine. While the engine is operating under user initiated injector signals, a simulated exhaust gas oxygen signal is provided to the engine control module. This signal results in maintaining the engine in stable operation while operating in an unstable state. In a preferred embodiment additional gases are injected into the exhaust gas being supplied to the catalyst. The system periodically returns all functions to the engine control modules allowing the establishment of new operating parameters for the engine.

Abstract: The semiconductor flow rate detector comprises a semiconductor chip having sensor elements on its surface, leads connected to connecting terminals of the semiconductor chip, and a resin base covering junctions between the leads and the connecting terminals of the semiconductor chip and integrally holding them.

Abstract: A humidity meter has a housing (1) which has a separated sensor room (5) recessed in said housing (1) for securing a humidity sensor assembly (3). The humidity meter also has an electronic circuit (2) mounted on a printed circuit board (21) fixed in said housing (1), for processing humidity signal supplied by said humidity sensor assembly (3). Some examples of the process are analog-digital conversion of measured humidity signal, visible indication on a display screen, and/or interface with external circuit. Said humidity sensor assembly (3) is removably fixed on said printed circuit board (21) which doubles as a bottom wall (53) of said sensor room (5).

Abstract: A triaxial sensor substrate is adapted for use in measuring the acceleration and angular rate of a moving body along three orthogonal axes. The triaxial sensor substrate includes three individual sensors that are arranged in the plane of the substrate at an angle of 120 degrees with respect to one another. Each sensor is formed from two accelerometers having their sensing axes canted at an angle with respect to the plane of the substrate and further being directed in opposite directions. The rate sensing axes thus lie along three orthogonal axes. In order to reduce or eliminate angular acceleration sensitivity, a two substrate configuration may be used. Each substrate includes three accelerometers that are arranged in the plane of the substrate at an angle of 120 degrees with respect to one another. The sensing axes of the accelerometers of the first substrate are canted at an angle with respect to the plane of the first substrate toward the central portion thereof so that they lie along three skewed axes.

Abstract: A silicon accelerometer includes several silicon layers. The silicon layers form two silicon beams supported by flexure members. An acceleration responsive silicon mass is arranged to bend the flexure members in response to accelerations. The silicon beams are vibrated in vacuum chambers and gas damping is provided for the acceleration responsive mass and the flexure members. Sensing electronics detect vibration of the two silicon beams.

Abstract: A method for the non-destructive evaluation of the integrity of wooden members, in situ, for example, embedded in the soil, employing the reflection of an acoustic wave off of the embedded end of the wooden member. The reflection is caused by the discontinuity in acoustic properties between wood and the supporting medium. The method allows the measurement, at one end of the member, of substantially the entire length of the wooden member without its removal. The acoustic wave is monitored in time and amplitude to provide indications of sound speed and attenuation, measurements which apparently are not unduly affected by coupling losses between the wooden member and its supporting matrix. These measured values may be empirically linked in an equation providing the integrity of the wooden member.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for inspecting a tubular member for degradation, which tubular member may be a control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) penetration tube of the kind typically found in nuclear power reactor pressure vessels. The CRDM penetration tube includes a thermal sleeve concentrically disposed therein, the sleeve being radially rotatable and axially translatable within the tube. However, the sleeve may be nonhomogeneous, which nonhomogeneity could undesirably mask the inspection signal as the inspection sensor is radially and axially moved in order to inspect the tube.

Abstract: A hand-held vibrometer for measuring vibration at a surface of a vibrating object includes plural vibration sensors, each of which has a respective axis of measurement. The vibration sensors are mounted on a rigid body so that the respective axes of measurement of the sensors intersect at a contact point on the rigid body, which contact point is to be applied to the vibrating object. The contact point is at a central axis of the rigid body and the respective axes of measurement of the vibration sensors all intersect the central axis of the rigid body at the same angle. Respective amounts of vibration in the vibrating object in three orthogonal measurement axes are calculated on the basis of output signals provided from the plurality of vibration sensors. The above-described arrangement of the vibration sensors increases the contact resonance frequency, and consequently the measurement range, of the vibrometer.

Abstract: A differential pressure transducer for measuring external pressures is disclosed. The pressure transducer uses a ferrofluid contained in two interconnecting chambers, enclosed by two non-magnetic spring diaphragms. In this embodiment, two independent inductance series circuits, each comprising a bar magnet, Hall effect sensor and an iron pole piece, measure variations in the volume of ferrofluid in each of the interconnecting chambers. Changes in pressure displace the non-magnetic spring diaphragms causing the volume in each interconnecting chamber to change in a differential manner. The flux path in the series magnetic circuit is distorted by changes in the volume of the ferrofluid, causing changes in the flux density at the sensing area of the Hall effect sensor, this sensor producing an electrical signal proportional to the flux change.

Abstract: A sensor measures an unknown pressure having to a sensitivity on the order of 1 micro-torr. The sensor includes two 10 micro-torr sensitivity capacitance manometers which each receive the unknown pressure. The capacitance manometers are positioned about a common axis around a common pressure chamber that receives the unknown pressure so that the flexible diaphragms of each of the capacitance manometers simultaneously deform either outwardly or inwardly from the common pressure chamber in response to changes in pressure. When a vibrational or gravitational force is applied to the sensor, one flexible diaphragm deforms outwardly away from the common pressure chamber and the other deforms inwardly towards the common pressure chamber. Hence, changes in pressure cause each of the capacitance manometers to produce a like change in their output signal; however, vibrational or gravitational forces produce an opposite change in their output signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for force-controlled fatigue testing of a specimen or material. A driver is used to generate a load force which is applied to the test specimen. Physical property changes of the test specimen are measured over time and a feedback signal is generated as a function of the measured physical property changes. A motion command signal is computed as a function of the feedback signal. A computer processes the feedback signal and emits the motion command signal to an actuator. The driver responds to the motion command signal and maintains the load force at an approximately constant magnitude during the physical property changes of the test specimen.

Abstract: A force sensor and a force sensing method use crystal rods as both force responsive elements and light transmission media in combination with light input circuitry and processing circuitry to sense an applied force, such as oil or gas well pressure or fluid flow friction.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for measuring mass flow of a slurry mixture of two components of materials, such as a flow of catalyst solid particles (the first component) or droplets in a fluid carrier (the second component). The slurry mixture is added to a process stream (10) or batch reactor. The flow velocity and the volume fraction of one component are measured and combined with the known specific gravity, of the component being measured, and the physical dimensions of the pipe, in which the slurry mixture is flowing, to determine the mass flow of the component. The flow velocity is measured by correlating signals at two separated locations along the flow path, and the volume fraction is measured by combining the known dielectric constants of each of the materials in the mixture and the measured capacitance of the mixture. The capacitance is measured from electrodes which may be isolated from the flowing materials in some applications, but not isolated from the flowing materials in other applications.

Abstract: The gas flow rate and liquid flow rate of a two phase fluid flow are determined by passing the fluid flow down an inclined pipe to stratify the flow. The fluid pressure, temperature and density are measured along with the liquid density. The differential pressure is measured to determine the dynamic head of the fluid. These measurements are used together to determine the gas flow rate and the liquid flow rate.

Abstract: A fluidic oscillator and a flowmeter comprising means (10, 14, 16) for forming a two-dimensional fluid jet and an obstacle (22) having a main cavity (26) swept by the oscillating jet, and secondary cavities (34, 36) on either side of the main cavity (26) enabling the radial extension of main vortices accompanying the oscillation of the jet to be made dependent on flow conditions. Applicable to the measurement of the velocity or flow rate of flowing fluid.

Abstract: A fluidic oscillator flowmeter in which a two-dimensional fluid jet oscillating transfersely relative to a plane of symmetry, P, sweeps over the bottom of a cavity, and in which the flow rate is determined by electronic means from a signal, S, corresponding to a differential pressure resulting from the difference between a pressure tapped off at a point, P.sub.3, located on the axis of intersection between the plane of symmetry, S, and the bottom of the cavity and a pressure resulting from tapping off the pressure at two points, P.sub.1 and P.sub.2, which are located symmetrically on respective sides of the plane of symmetry, S.

Abstract: A vortex flowmeter for measuring fluid flow includes a conduit having a wall surrounding a bore for carrying the fluid along a bore axis. A pivoting member moves in response to vortices in the fluid and extends from a hole in the wall into the bore, and sensing means is provided for sensing the motion of the pivoting member to provide a flow indicative output. In one embodiment, a torsional pin is disposed in the hole and couples to the pivoting member, and further has a first pin end attached to the wall. In another embodiment a diaphragm extending across the hole, together with the conduit wall and the pivoting member, are integrally formed from a material so as to present an unbroken overall surface to the fluid and to reduce crevices or gaps in which portions of the fluid can lodge. In another embodiment the pivoting member is at least a portion of a downstream extremity of a body disposed in the bore.

Abstract: A fluid dynamometer is provided for absorbing a range of power output proed by an engine's rotating shaft. Power absorbing characteristics are controlled by adjusting the fluid media characteristics in terms of its temperature and/or its density and viscosity. A tank, containing an energy or power absorbing fluid, receives the rotating shaft. One or more disks, submerged in the fluid and coaxially mounted on the rotating shaft for rotation therewith, cooperate with the fluid to absorb power from the rotating shaft. The disk(s) are sized so that a first specified amount of power from the rotating shaft is absorbed at a calibration temperature of the fluid. Heating and cooling units are provided to respectively heat and cool the fluid. A controller energizes the heating and cooling units in a cooperative fashion to adjust and maintain the fluid at a predetermined temperature value for power absorption at a second specified amount of power produced by the rotating shaft.

Abstract: Improvements are set forth in the present disclosure for the sample taking system. It normally uses a valve which can be switched between two operative positions one delivering a sample. The valve lock mechanism is incorporated. Additional safety is provided by means of a blocking valve added to the circuit. These control the delivery of sample through a twin needle system which is inserted through the septum of a sample receiving container. That container is formed of a non-round shape supported in a mounting fixture which assures that it does not rotate to thereby avoid tearing the septum with the needles. In addition, a purge gas flow route is defined through the system and is discharged to atmosphere. This discharge is through a cartridge filter having duplicate ends. The ends are closed by membranes to permit inert gas to flow there through. The bottom membrane is pervious while the top membrane is impervious, but it is punctured by a needle to introduce the sample.

Abstract: A novel gas passage shifting device used primarily for a surface area measuring apparatus for particulate materials is disclosed. The device is characterized by having a base member provided with a recess which receives a tubular body so as to gas-tightly connect it to the gas passage by a simple operation.

Abstract: A method of hot tapping a pipe for installing a carrier for use with a sonic flowmeter transducer includes the steps of welding an alignment fixture to the pipe, attaching a drilling device to the alignment fixture, drilling a hole in the pipe, removing the drilling device and replacing it with a cleaning assembly to remove metal shavings, replacing the cleaning assembly with an extraction assembly which is used to remove the drilling device, removing the extraction assembly and installing an insertion assembly to which a carrier is removably attached. The insertion assembly is employed to secure the carrier to the alignment fixture. The insertion assembly and the drilling device are then detached from the alignment fixture and are ready for reuse.