Abstract: A diagnostic system in which the accuracy of the diagnosis of the deterioration state of a catalyst in a catalytic converter for cleaning the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine is enhanced without incurring a rise in cost. The temperature of the catalyst is estimated using the operating-state signal (for example, the flow rate of intake air or the width of a fuel injection pulse) of the engine by a diagnostic device. The conversion efficiency of the catalyst calculated from the outputs of oxygen sensors is corrected using the estimated temperature by the diagnostic device. The deterioration state of the catalyst is diagnosed on the basis of the corrected temperature by the diagnostic device.

Abstract: An oil intensifier cylinder having a hollow cylindrical body. An intensifier piston is slideably positioned in the body. An intensifier rod is connected to and extends from the intensifier piston. An outer reservoir piston is slideably positioned in the body in spaced relationship with the intensifier piston. An inner reservoir piston is slideably positioned in the outer reservoir piston. The inner reservoir piston includes a bore that is disposed to allow the intensifier rod to extend through the inner reservoir piston. An oil reservoir is positioned adjacent the inner and outer reservoir pistons. The oil reservoir is positioned on sides of the inner and outer reservoir pistons that are opposite the intensifier piston. A port is disposed on the end of the oil reservoir that is spaced from the inner and outer reservoir pistons. The port has a shape that slideably and sealingly receives the intensifier rod. A work rod is slideably positioned in the body.

Abstract: An excess air control system and method (10) for a dual-fuel or spark ignition gas internal combustion engine (12) is provided. The controller (18) senses the exhaust temperature, senses the air manifold temperature, senses the air manifold pressure, and measures the engine power output of the engine (12). Based on these measurements and engine characterization data, a target air manifold pressure is computed. The target air manifold pressure is compared with the sensed air manifold pressure, and an air blowoff valve coupled to an air bypass line linking the air intake to the turbocharger (36) and the air manifold (40) is either opened or closed to achieve the target air manifold pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing from a source of geothermal fluid that contains a mixture of high pressure steam, brine and noncondensable gases includes a heat exchanger for receiving geothermal fluid and transferring heat to water thereby vaporizing the same to produce steam. At least one power plant module is involved, the module having a steam turbine responsive to steam produced by the heat exchanger for producing work, a steam condenser containing an organic fluid and responsive to low pressure steam that exits the steam turbine for condensing the steam into a liquid and vaporizing the organic fluid. The module also contains an organic vapor turbine responsive to vaporizer organic fluid for producing work, and an organic vapor condenser responsive to the low pressure organic fluid that exits the organic vapor turbine condensing the organic vapor to a liquid that is returned to the steam condenser. The cooled geothermal fluid leaving the primary heat exchanger is conducted to a rejection well.

Abstract: In a process for the production of gaseous oxygen under pressure at a variable flow rate, of the type in which air is distilled in an air distillation installation comprising a distillation apparatus (7) and a heat exchange line (6) to cool the air by heat exchange with the products from the distillation apparatus; liquid oxygen is withdrawn from this apparatus, brought to a vaporization pressure, vaporized and reheated under this pressure in the heat exchange line, this vaporization and this reheating being accompanied by a liquefaction of air in the air liquefaction passages (21; 21,21A) of the heat exchange line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sorption method for air-conditioning vehicles, especially electric vehicles, and a device for working the method. To achieve rapid cooling or heating by means of vehicle air conditioning while achieving improved manufacturing, cost, and weight advantages, it is proposed that the sorption unit, composed of a storage container with sorbent, a supply container with sorbate, and a steam duct connecting the containers with one another, is evacuated only to perform an adsorption process employing a vacuum pump and is vented for desorption. The sorbent located in the storage container is traversed by hot air for desorption, said air, moistened with sorbate after passing through, being vented to the environment past the supply container after flowing through a vent line that branches off the steam duct.

Abstract: Liquid lines (5LA, 5LB) and gas lines (5GA, 5GB) are connected to a main liquid line (4L) and a main gas line (4G) respectively so that a master outdoor unit (2A) and a slave outdoor unit (2B) are arranged in parallel with each other. On the gas line (5GB) extending from the slave outdoor unit (2B), a gas stop valve (V2) which is fully closed when the slave outdoor unit (2B) is deactivated during heating operation is disposed. On the liquid line (5LB) extending from the slave outdoor unit (2B), a liquid stop valve (V1) which is fully closed when the slave outdoor unit (2B) is deactivated during cooling operation and heating operation is disposed. Thus, compression of a liquid refrigerant and lack of a circulation amount of refrigerant are prevented.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus that prevents a state of blowing temperature fluctuation due to magnitude of vehicle speed in a dehumidification mode. A condenser and evaporator are disposed within an air duct, and an exterior heat exchanger is disposed externally. A capillary and check valve are provided in a refrigerant passage between the condenser and exterior heat exchanger, and a capillary is provided in a refrigerant passage between the exterior heat exchanger and evaporator. During dehumidification mode, a four-way switching valve is switched so that the flow passage of refrigerant is from the condenser to the capillary, to the check valve, to the exterior heat exchanger, to the capillary, to the evaporator, and then to an accumulator. In this case, the condenser and exterior heat exchanger function as a refrigerant condenser in a series-connected state, but because in actuality the capillary is provided, the majority of refrigerant discharged from a compressor is condensed by the condenser.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for open cycle desiccant cooling wherein the process stream and regeneration stream are divided into a plurality of radial stream segments by non-parallel partitions forming unequal face segments in the desiccant wheel and the heat wheel for the same stream segment. The unequal face segments in the desiccant wheel and the heat wheel provide differing temperature profiles at the face of each wheel and allow obtaining desired temperature profiles for heat exchange and moisture adsorption. The process of this invention results in reduction of the radial speed of the heat wheel to less than 4 providing high effectiveness of the heat wheel increasing the capacity and the COP of the system.

Abstract: A method for rapidly cooling a product rolled in a rolling mill, for example wire rod fed along a roller conveyor, consists of blasting said product with an air stream in which atomized water is dispersed.

Abstract: A general system for heat upgrading by absorption and a system for conducting multiple pressure zone evaporation-absorption operations are introduced. The system comprises an enclosure, two sets of vertical heat conductive walls, designated as A-walls and B-walls, each wall having a first surface and a second surface that are respectively designated as A-1 and A-2 surfaces and B-1 and B-2 surfaces, and four processing zones, respectively designated as A-1, A-2, A-3 and A-4 zones. Zone A-1 and Zone A-2 are inside of the enclosure and are respectively in contact with A-1 and B-1 surfaces; Zone A-3 and Zone A-4 are outside of the enclosure and are respectively in contact with A-2 and B-2 surfaces. In operation, heat is taken from a first mass of fluid in Zone A-3 to vaporize water from a falling water film in Zone A-1 to form a first water vapor. The first vapor is absorbed into a falling film of an absorbing solution in Zone A-2 and releases heat of absorption to a second mass of fluid in Zone A-4.

Abstract: A body decoration, and a method of using it, includes a main ornamentation body, secured and supported in place on the body of a wearer by a flexible pliable fine threadlike line such that it remains substantially invisible to an observer, to enhance the appearance of the wearer. A cushion device is attached to the line to protect the skin of the wearer. Embodiments of the present invention can be adapted to be worn in various locations on the body, such as the head, the face, the ear, the neck, the finger, the hand, and the hair.

Abstract: A cam mechanism and method in a circular knitting machine having at least two types of knitting needles each having a master butt and at least two selector butts and including a stitch cam for engaging the master butts and retracting the needles from the knitting and tucking positions to the stitch-forming level, and knitting, tucking and welt-guarding cams movable between extended operative positions and retracted inoperative positions, and a selection device for individually selecting and moving the knitting, tucking and welt-guarding cams between the operative and inoperative positions.

Abstract: A fiber string having a plurality of loops extending outwardly therefrom is formed by knitting a loop pile fabric with non-soluble and soluble yarns and then dissolving the soluble yarns in a solution to release the knitted loops. The loop pile fabric includes a central rib, or backbone, knitted from a plurality of non-soluble yarns, a plurality of loops knitted into the central rib such that terminal ends thereof extend outwardly from opposite sides of the central rib, and a strip of retaining fabric respectively knitted into the terminal ends of the loops on each side of said central rib. The loops are knitted from a plurality of non-soluble yarns, and the strips of retaining fabric are knitted from a plurality of soluble yarns. The retaining fabrics hold the ends of the loops during knitting. However, the loops are subsequently freed from the retaining fabric by immersing the entire fabric in a solution capable of dissolving the soluble yarns, i.e. the retaining fabric.

Abstract: A laundry appliance cabinet includes a first panel member of integral construction and at least one additional panel member joined to the first panel member to form a plurality of exterior cabinet walls and a tub within those exterior walls.

Abstract: A rigid handcuff (FIG. 3) includes a pair of separate lockable bracelet members (16, 18) each having a respective plate-like extension (30, 32) each of which abuts the other at end face along a line normal to a longitudinal axis of the handcuff, the line and the axis lying in the common plane of the bracelet members. A respective plate-like connector (38) overlies the abutted extensions (30, 32) with the outer ends of each connector (38) abutting against a respective bracelet member (16, 18). The extensions (30, 32) and the connectors (38) ensure that the bracelet members are restrained against all movement relative to one another thereby providing a rigid handcuff assembly. A cover assembly comprising a pair of opposed plastic cover members provides a rigid grip for the handcuff intermediate the bracelet members.

Abstract: The assembly is used in leftward- and rightward-retractable door units, and provides wide variations of key to prevent the assembly from being illegally unlocked. In the assembly: a left 25 and a right 28 latch plate are supported on pivots 22 and 54, respectively; a lock casing 17 connected with a thumb turn 15 has locking blades 18, 48; locking projections 30 and 31 abutting against the blade 18 are in the plates 25 and 28, respectively; an interlocking shaft 35 receiving torque transmitted from a front 6 and a rear 9 handle has a driving plate 40; a driving projection 39 abutting against the arms 37, 38 is in the plate 40; a locking hole 50 of a core 20 received in a lock casing 17 assumes a regular hexagonal shape in cross-section, provided that one of its six corners forms a curved surface 50a; a locking pin 51 extends from an inner surface of the hole 50; and, a locking projection 53 is in a center of the bottom of the core 20.

Abstract: A locking rotary latch assembly has a shank bearing about the shank on the exterior side of a latch housing, and an interior load bearing bushing about the shank on the interior side of the latch housing which also intersects and guides a sliding locking arm. A latching arm is mounted on the end of the shank against the load bearing bushing which includes a portion that is in contact with the housing adjacent the exterior shank bearing so that forces applied to the shank are resisted by the combination of the load bearing bushing, and the exterior shank bearing against the portion of the load bearing bushing in contact with the housing. The exterior shank bearing prevents passage of the shank from the exterior to the interior side of the housing.

Abstract: A holding down device including a headed screw rod, which is inserted through the device to be held down and then a nut is screwed thereon. A lever is pivoted to the head of the headed screw rod. The lever has a headed lock bar controlled by a combination lock arranged in the lever to prevent the lever from turning about the pivot when the numbers in the lock are incorrect.

Abstract: A combination key-like device and electrical receptacle for the key-like device wherein the receptacle defines electrical contact surface areas for mating with corresponding contact surface areas defined by the key-like device. At least one clip defines the electrical contact surface areas for the said receptacle and the clip is supported on the receptacle body. A keyway opening is defined by the body and the clip comprises a transverse portion and a pair of legs extending outwardly from the transverse portion with contact elements defined by each of the legs extending inwardly toward the keyway opening and with openings defined by the body communicating with said keyway opening for receiving the contact elements. A contact band is carried by the key-like device whereby insertion of the key-like device into the keyway opening brings the contact band into electrical contact with at least one of the contact elements.

Abstract: A device for grooving the internal surface of tubes is disclosed as including a holding die for holding in position inside the tube a floating chuck equipped with a grooved chuck and a grooving unit including a rotating cage for retaining a number of rotating balls for compressing the tube wall against the grooved chuck to form a groove in the tube. The grooving unit includes a finishing die. The rotating cage includes a supporting member of which the internal profile, in an axial section is an arc of a circle, and a cage closure plate for retaining the balls in the cage and further includes a lubricator for the interior of the cage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for imparting a textured surface to a work piece, particularly a metal plate or platen used to impress a textured surface on a sheet of plastic laminate or the like. According to one form of the invention, a stream of balls having substantially uniform size, shape, and weight are propelled against a surface of the work piece at a velocity sufficient for the balls to create an impact impression on the surface of the work piece. Particular characteristics of the texture may be varied by changing the velocity, size, shape, weight, size of the stream, distance travelled by the steel balls, and the sweep rate over the work surface. A suction blast gun having a particular size air jet and nozzle projects the balls against the work piece which are fed to the gun through a magazine. The balls are propelled against the surface by a pressurized fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for straightening wire stock includes a support member defining a generally elongated opening adapted for advancement of the wire stock therethrough, at least a first pair of engaging members associated with the support member and extending from a first direction sufficiently to engage the wire stock during advancement through the opening, at least a second pair of engaging members associated with the support member and extending from a second direction sufficiently to engage the wire stock during advancement through the opening, a mechanism for rotating the first and second pairs of the engaging members about an axis in general alignment with a longitudinal axis defined by the support member and a mechanism for selectively adjusting the positions of at least one of the first and second pairs of the engaging members relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming at least one curved, rectangular bodied surgical needle which comprises frame means, flat press means associated with said frame means for imparting first flat surfaces to opposite sides of at least a portion of at least one needle blank, curving means associated with said frame means for imparting an arcuate profile to at least a portion of the at least one needle blank and side press means mounted on said frame portion for imparting second flat surfaces to opposite sides of the needle blank, wherein said second flat surfaces are imparted substantially perpendicular to said first flat surfaces.

Abstract: Method and device (10) to obtain in the hot state single finished round bars (12a-112a) from hot single multiple elements (11), wherein the device (10) cooperates with at least a penultimate finishing stand (25) and cooperates directly with rolls (26) of that finishing stand (25) and with generating profiles included in that stand (25) and comprises means to displace vertically and reciprocally the plane of positioning of each single bar (12a) forming the central part of the multiple element, and also comprises means to displace sideways on the plane of positioning at least the single outermost lateral bars (112a) of the multiple element (11) , and further comprises upstream guiding system means (20) and mating wheel means (21-121) which define separation passes (13) and contain at least one lateral edge with a lateral wedge-shaped bevel (15).

Abstract: An index-feed machining system having such a construction that a plurality of machining units on the bodies of which cassettes incorporating a plurality of machining tools are detachably mounted are disposed at intervals at mP (m being a given positive integer, P being a workpiece-feeding pitch) in the workpiece-feeding direction, corresponding to a plurality of machining processes; the machining processes being sequentially performed by the machining units at the index-feed pitches of the workpiece, in which a drive for driving the machining means are provided in the cassettes comprising any machining units.

Abstract: A computer controlled pull gun system for pulling interference fit fasteners into a mounting hole. The pull gun has a rotatable and axially movable mandrel the is driven by a pneumatic motor. An axially movable piston in a hydraulic cylinder of the pull gun is attached to the mandrel to move it axially after it has been threaded into an interference fit fastener. A digital control system precisely controls the operation to the functions thread mandrel, pull mandrel, unthread mandrel to quickly and efficiently install a fastener. The digital control system controls pressurized fluid pneumatic and hydraulic valves to perform the installation functions. The digital controller responds to commands from buttons on the pull gun that select the functions and determines when a fastener has been properly installed by feedback from a pressure sensing transducer. A reset command button is provided on the pull gun to abort an installation or reset the pull gun for a new installation.

Abstract: A process and device for shaping the end of a tube with an oblong cross-section to a circular cross-section, where the shaping occurs in a single radial compression stage from the exterior. The tube is disposed with its shortest axis in correspondence with two fixed opposite surfaces, having a circular profile with a radius of curvature which is approximately equal to the radius of the circular section of the tube which is to be obtained. A radial compression is then exerted along the longest axis of the oblong section of the non-deformed tube by a pair of shaping surfaces having an angular extension which is complementary to those of the fixed opposite surfaces.

Abstract: A leveling apparatus for leveling a die mounted on die posts on a die base. The die base has first and second die posts on which is mounted a die for adjustable vertical movement. A first motor is operatively connected to the first die post for moving the first die post in a vertical direction. A first vertical position sensor cooperates with the first motor for sensing the vertical position of the first die post. A first servo-feedback device interconnects the first motor and the first vertical position sensor for transmitting a vertical position signal from the first vertical position sensor to the first servo-feedback device. A second motor is operatively connected to the second die post for moving the second die post in a vertical direction. A second vertical position sensor cooperates with the second motor for sensing the vertical position of the second die post.

Abstract: A backgage (22) for use in conjunction with a press brake (10), includes an arm (24) movable in three axial directions (R, X, Z) by a drive (26). A gage block (54) is supported on the arm and includes a gage finger assembly (72) including a movable finger (76). A projecting member (94) engages a recess (100) in the finger to releasably latch the finger in a first position. Excessive force encountered by the finger during a collision with an obstruction unlatches the finger and enables it to move to avoid damage.

Abstract: The invention features a method and apparatus of determining the absolute and/or relative carriage height of a forklift truck having an extendable mast. The hydraulic fluid displacement is converted to electrical signals to obtain the carriage height. A hydraulic flow sensor has two proximity sensors to detect motion (i.e., the speed and direction) of the fluid and to provide an electrical signal. A conversion factor is applied to the signal to precisely determine the carriage height. The conversion factor compensates for the sensor asymmetrical flow and frequency characteristics, and for the fluid kinematic viscosity characteristics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for precise measurement and calibration of gas flow rates is described. The apparatus and method employ precision-bored cylinders adapted for operation with ultrasonic transducers under the control of computer subroutines for accomplishing the desired methods.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for measuring evaporative vehicle emissions in a fixed-volume enclosure. The method comprises the steps of providing a volume compensation means in fluid communication with a test chamber for compensating for changes in the test chamber fluid volume, where n is a positive integer, measuring the temperature of the test chamber fluid at the sample times t.sub.n, measuring the absolute fluid pressure of fluid at the sample times t.sub.n, determining the density of the evaporative emissions and the test chamber fluid at selected sample times t.sub.n, determining the mass of evaporative emissions present in the chamber, determining the theoretical volume change of the test chamber fluid at said sample times t.sub.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for profiling atmospheric temperature, water vapor and/or cloud liquid content utilizing passive microwave remote sensing are disclosed. The apparatus includes an antenna for receiving atmospheric microwave emissions having frequencies of interest, a highly stable, tunable frequency synthesizer, and downconverting system receiving selected frequency outputs from the synthesizer and the received emissions and, responsive thereto, providing output signals indicative of the frequencies of interest and representing the profile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the density or specific gravity of a fluid sample uses a single sensor. A reservoir contains another fluid of known density which is not miscible with the fluid sample. Sensors are disposed proximate to the reservoir to detect the passage of the fluid sample through the non-miscible fluid medium. A microprocessor monitors the sensor and calculates the specific gravity of the fluid sample. The microprocessor measures the amount of time one sensor is eclipsed as the fluid sample droplet falls through the fluid medium and calculates the density or specific gravity based on that amount of time. The microprocessor also may measure a second amount of time, the time required for the fluid sample to traverse through the fluid medium between two sensors. The microprocessor can use this second amount of time to measure the fluid droplet diameter or size. The microprocessor corrects the calculated density or specific gravity for any deviation caused by the size of the fluid sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods of remotely detecting leakage into an evacuated space to detect the location of the leak. A number of pressure gauges continually monitoring pressure, rise in pressure and the rate of that pressure rise of the space. The locations nearest a leak will detect the pressure rise earliest in time and will have the highest rate of pressure rise. The distance between any one location and the leak being directly proportional to the time required for the increase in pressure to be observed at the location and inversely proportional to the rate of rise.

Abstract: A pressure decay leak detection system is calibrated for a particular piping system using a leak mechanism with a known leak rate attached to the piping system. Pressure decay in the piping system is monitored while the system is leaking, pressure versus time data defining an acceptable pressure decay profile is stored. In one embodiment, this data is scaled to obtain a profile applicable to different leak rates. The detection system performs a test by sensing decaying pressure in the piping system, determining a slope of measured pressure decay versus time for an increment of pressure decay, comparing a slope of the observed pressure decay with a slope of the acceptable pressure decay profile, and providing a failure indication if the slope of the observed pressure decay exceeds the slope of the acceptable pressure decay profile.

Abstract: A hydraulic press flow viscometer is provided for spray testing viscous materials for high pressure applications using a relatively small sample size. A hydraulic press forces the sample from its container to a spray assembly. The spray testing system is capable of accurately simulating robotic applications in assembly plants by controlling material temperature, material pressure and robot speed. A method is also provided for performing high pressure spray tests on material samples using the hydraulic spray testing system.

Abstract: A vessel has a sealable, hollow housing about a sample compartment, and the hollow portion contains a predetermined amount of a gas. It provides for heat transmission control. Accordingly, for an illustrative example, viscosity testing with a sensitive rotating viscometer and an oleaginous sample which is subjected to temperature control can be carried out with high reliability.

Abstract: A system and process for analyzing a liquid sample is disclosed which includes an ultrasonic nebulizer capable of vibrating at a frequency between about 50 Khz and 760 Khz for converting the liquid sample to a liquid aerosol. The liquid aerosol is heated at a pressure of at least atmospheric pressure to evaporate solvent in the aerosol and to form a solid aerosol. The solid aerosol is separated from the evaporate solvent and the solid aerosol is directed into an electron impact ionizer and a mass spectrometer where it is analyzed.

Abstract: The degree to which a large container such as a silo is full or empty is determined by expelling a quantity of air under pressure into the top of the silo. The pressure of the air within the silo is then measured and the rate of decay of said pressure from its maximum to atmosphere is determined.

Abstract: A self-regulating apparatus and method for measuring the components of a multiphase petroleum stream includes initially stratifying an incoming petroleum stream into substantially liquid and gas streams. The initial fluid stratification allows a flow-splitting separation to occur as the streams first enter a vertical separation tube. By positioning the inflow line eccentric to the vertical separation tube, a liquid vortex is created by the incoming liquid component to further enhance the liquid/gas separation. The liquid component is then drawn off by a liquid flow line also eccentrically positioned on the vertical separator, thereby minimizing the energy dissipation of the liquid vortex. Both the gas and liquid components can then be individually measured before being recombined at a common outflow port for discharge.

Abstract: A volumetric flow control apparatus and method for measuring and controlling the volumetric flow rate and flow volume of a fluid. The apparatus comprises a reciprocating diaphragm meter having a diaphragm mounted for reciprocating movement and a diaphragm position indicator assembly for monitoring the position of the diaphragm as it reciprocates. As a fluid under pressure passes through the reciprocating diaphragm meter the diaphragm reciprocates through at least one meter cycle during which the meter passes a fixed volume of fluid per meter cycle. A timer responsive to the diaphragm position indicator is provided to measure the elapsed time for the meter diaphragm to reciprocate through at least one meter cycle. A processor calculates the volume flow rate of the fluid passing through the reciprocating diaphragm meter by dividing the fixed volume of fluid passed by the meter in a meter cycle by the elapsed time measured during the meter cycle.

Abstract: In a balancing machine having an apparatus for sensing geometrical data of a rotary member to be balanced such as a motor vehicle wheel which can be clamped on a main shaft of the balancing machine, the apparatus has a measuring sensor arranged on a support bar of the balancing machine, which is parallel to the main shaft and fixed in its longitudinal direction. The measuring sensor is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the support bar and has a pivot head which is arranged on the support bar rotatably about the longitudinal axis of the support bar. The sensor also has a measuring sensing lever having a positively guided sensing head, wherein the measuring sensing lever is mounted pivotably on the pivot head and a sensing finger on the sensing head is movable toward and away from the wheel to be sensed, upon a pivotal movement of the measuring sensing lever, in parallel orientation with respect to the main shaft.

Abstract: A semiconductor acceleration sensor includes a silicon detecting member integrally processed from a silicon substrate, having a weight, a supporting portion, and a beam for coupling the weight with the supporting portion, at least one semiconductor strain gauge being formed on an upper surface of the beam; an upper glass provided on an upper portion of the silicon detecting member, and having a concave by which the weight is displaceable; and a lower glass provided on a lower portion of the silicon detecting member, and having a concave by which the weight is displaceable. The supporting portion of the silicon detecting member is electrostatically jointed with the upper glass and the lower glass, respectively; and conductive film is formed on the concave of the lower glass; and an opening portion through which a wiring pattern is externally derived from the conductive film is formed in the lower glass.

Abstract: An accelerative force may be measured using a plurality of deflection elements (102), each deflection element (102) comprising an inertial mass (104), and at least one hinge (104) supporting the inertial mass (104) in a normal position. Application of a force to inertial mass (104) will result in the deflection of the inertial mass (104) in a first direction out of the normal position. The movement of the inertial mass (104) from the normal position stores energy in the hinges (108) which tends to move the inertial mass (104) in a second direction back to its normal position. Either the mass of the inertial mass (104), or the compliance of the hinges (108) is varied from one deflection element (102) in the array to another so that the force applied to the inertial masses (104) by simultaneous acceleration of the deflection elements (102) deflects some of the inertial masses (104). A detection means (112) senses if inertial masses (104) have deflected and produces an output representative of the applied force.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of surface corrosion under insulation on a piping structure employs artificially generated, broadband acoustic sound waves to interrogate the piping structure. The sound waves are coupled into the piping structure and detected after they have propagated through and interacted with a portion of the piping structure. The amplitude of RMS voltage signals indicative of the detected sound waves is used to determine whether or not surface corrosion is present. Highly corroded pipes have been shown to yield relatively low RMS voltage signals whereas the lack of corrosion yields relatively high RMS voltage signals.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a circumferential actuator for actively contling and generating pressure waves in a piping system having a fluid or a fluid flow therein. The circumferential actuator includes a casing, a plurality of actuator units mounted in the casing for generating controlled pressure waves, a plurality of amplifiers for electronically conditioning the force generated by each of the plurality of actuator units, a controller for providing the input signals to the plurality of actuator units for controlling the phase and amplitude of the generated pressure wave, and a pressure compensating system for providing a balancing force to each actuator unit. The casing is adapted for interconnection in fluid communication with the piping system for passing the piping system flow therethrough. The plurality of actuator units are arranged axi-symmetrically around the casing.

Abstract: A method for detecting corrosion fatigue cracks in membraned boiler tubes in a membrane tube panel employs at least one EMAT coil generating ultrasonic SH shear waves at a predetermined beam angle. The method of the present invention provides better signal-to-noise ratios than conventional ultrasonic techniques as well as not requiring any couplant.

Abstract: A sensor having a housing enclosing a passage adapted to be connected to a source of fluid in fluid receiving relation; a member mounted in the housing communicating with the passage in position to be moved upon the application of a fluid pressure differential thereacross; and a system for registering the movement of the member to detect the fluid pressure differential.