Abstract: To increase the surface area of an oil cooler and improve the cooling efficiency of an engine for a motorcycle, dual radiators are mounted on the body frame on both right and left sides of a water-cooled engine. Both radiators are inclined relative to a center line of the motorcycle with the larger space between the top ends thereof than the space between the bottom ends thereof on both sides of the engine. Also, the forward portions of the radiators project forwardly from the front end of the engine. An air-cooled oil cooler is provided at the upper space between both radiators in front of the engine and extends laterally across the width of the engine. Furthermore, a cooling system incorporates the radiator and oil cooler configuration.

Abstract: In detecting the occurrence of an abnormality in a variable valve timing mechanism, which continuously changes a valve timing by advancing or delaying the displacement angle of an intake-side cam shaft with respect to a crankshaft, an abnormality detecting apparatus for a valve timing control apparatus determines that the variable valve timing mechanism is failing when the absolute value of the difference between a target displacement angle and a correct real displacement angle, obtained by subtracting the maximum delay-angle learning value from the real displacement angle, is greater than a first predetermined value and the absolute value of the difference between a correct real displacement angle and a previous correct real displacement angle is equal to or smaller than a second predetermined value.

Abstract: Internal combustion engine camshaft phaser position detection with a single position sensor fixed in position relative to a rotatably driven member rotating in constant phase with the engine camshaft and a rotatably driving member rotating in constant phase with the engine crankshaft. Teeth or slots are provided on the driven and driving members and pass in proximity to the sensor for varying a sensor output signal which is processed to determine the relative time of passage of the driving and driven members to determine relative phase therebetween.

Abstract: A variable-capacity intake system for a vehicle internal combustion engine, and of the type presenting: a first and second reservoir connected to common air supply means; at least a first intake conduit connecting the first reservoir to a respective cylinder of a corresponding first block; at least a second intake conduit connecting the second reservoir to a respective cylinder of a corresponding second block; respective branches connecting the first intake conduit to the second reservoir and the second intake conduit to the first reservoir; and valve means for selectively connecting each reservoir to one of the intake conduits.

Abstract: A combustion air intake system for an internal combustion engine has an intake manifold which supplies intake air to the engine through pairs of differing length intake runners. A valve assembly is disposed between the intake runners and the engine and includes a molded composite housing having pairs of combustion air through passages which are in flow communication with associate pairs of intake manifold runners. An axially extending valve bore defines an axis through the valve housing and bisects the through passages. Molded integrally within the valve housing is a molded composite valve member having an axial valve shaft, disposed in the valve bore, and integral valve plates, disposed in predetermined through bores. The valve member is rotatable in the valve bore to open and close the valve plates for regulation of air flow through the predetermined through bores and associated intake runners.

Abstract: There is provided a recoil starter for starting an internal combustion engine which has a simple and compact structure with a reduced number of parts and which can be manufactured at a reduced cost.

Abstract: An in-line type multi-cylinder, double overhead cam, internal combustion engine having a balancer shaft arrangement that is driven directly off the crankshaft at a point intermediate of the ends of the crankshaft. To permit a more compact engine assembly, the balancer shaft also functions as an accessory drive shaft for driving a number of accessories including the camshafts of the engine.

Abstract: The method of operating machinery, the internal working elements of which are contained within a closed lubricating system and operating an internal combustion engine, in the presence of an electrical field, wherein the internal working elements are contacted during operation by the lubricating medium herein described. That lubricating medium comprises a major portion of an insulating oil having a hydrophobic nature such as natural or synthetic engine oil and a minor portion of an additive composition. The additive composition comprises an admixture of a metal soap, of the type often used as a thickening agent for greases; and fine particulate solid material of a hydrophilic nature, of the type often used in extreme pressure greases such as graphite and molybdenum disulfide.

Abstract: A device for detecting leakage in a fuel supply system of an internal combustion engine in which fuel is pumped from a fuel container under pressure by at least one pump and reaches injection valves over corresponding lines, the device has a control unit, a plurality of operating condition detecting sensors detecting operating conditions of the internal combustion engine and sending signals to the control unit, a return line with a valve formed so that excess fuel is returnable to the fuel container, the valve being connected with the control unit so that when the control unit detects a predetermined operating state of the engine from the signals of the operating condition sensors, the control unit closes the valve, and a pressure sensor, and a pressure sensor operative for measuring a fuel pressure when the valve is closed and connected to the control unit so that the pressure sensor supplies to the control unit a signal corresponding to the measured pressure, and the control unit compares the signal corresp

Abstract: To provide an improved heat insulating structure in which the movement of air in the air space of a heat insulating layer is permitted as small as possible thus giving a higher heat shielding effect. A heat insulating layer of an air space is provided between a center tube and an external heat shielding tube in a fuel injection nozzle and a carbon getter is disposed at an interface between the heat insulating layer and a combustion chamber. When a combustion gas moves into the carbon getter, its carbon components are trapped and accumulated thus blocking between the heat insulating layer and the combustion chamber. As the heat insulating layer is isolated, its inside air remains stagnate increasing the heat shielding effect. This srtacture has been appied to the pre-combustion chamber.

Abstract: An integrated fuel injector and ignitor assembly is provided which includes an injector body, a fuel control valve and an ignition device. The components are packaged to create a compact assembly for positioning within an injector mounting bore and particularly in a mounting bore of an existing diesel engine. The assembly may include a fuel reservoir for accumulating fuel for injection so as to stabilize the injection pressure. Also, the ignition device may include an ignition coil mounted on the injector body and a replaceable ignitor electrode cartridge mounted on an opposite end of the injector body to permit simple, cost effective replacement of the electrodes/spark plug.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine for a model and a device therefor capable of improving throttle response. Feed of fuel to the engine is increased during acceleration of the engine and decreased during deceleration thereof. This permits a rotational speed of the engine to be smoothly and rapidly varied, to thereby reduce vibration of the engine and prevent knocking and breathing of the engine. Also, adjustment of a trim provided on a side of a controller leads to adjustment of a needle valve, so that the adjustment may be facilitated.

Abstract: A controller system is provided for controlling the power boost operation of an internal combustion engine by increasing fuelling, the controller means comprising a fuel controller for controlling the rate of fuel supplied to the engine and for supplying an increased rate of fuel in response to a power boost demand signal. The controller system further includes a first timer for measuring a first time period during which the power boost signal is supplied to the fuel controller, a comparator for supplying a prevent boost signal when the first time period exceeds a maximum boost time period, and a second timer for preventing the fuel controller from supplying the increased rate of fuel for a second time period in response to the prevent boost signal.

Abstract: A cylinder discriminating device includes a ratio computing device for computing the ratio between the periods of signal generation over predetermined two sections, a signal group discriminating device for discriminating a predetermined group of signals, and a signal discriminating device for discriminating a predetermined signal from the group of signals. Thus, the cylinder discriminating device can be provided which does not provide erroneous decision in cylinder discrimination in a signal generating device in a single system, but can shorten the time required for cylinder discrimination to effect inherent control for each cylinder.

Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling an advance angle of a power engine which can associate the rotational speed or be rotational period with the advance time period by using a single small look up table in a simple manner, and can be implemented by using a relatively small storage device. Because of provision of the steps of detecting a rotational period of a power engine as a binary number consisting of a first number of bits; extracting a second number of bits from the binary number, the second number being smaller than the first number; obtaining a rotational period parameter from the extracted bits or by convening the extracted bits by an arithmetic process based on the first number, the second number, and a minimum value of the rotational period of the engine; and determining an advance angle for each given rotational speed of the engine by looking up a table specifying a relationship between the rotational period parameter and the advance angle.

Abstract: An engine speed control system for an engine of the type having a throttle position sensor for outputting throttle position data, from which engine control parameters are determined, is disclosed. In accordance with this system, an output value of the throttle position sensor is obtained. If the output value is within a predetermined range, an adjustment value is calculated. If the adjustment value is within a predetermined range, a new throttle position value is calculated based on the output value of the throttle position sensor as adjusted by the adjustment value. Engine control parameters, such as timing and fuel injection volume, are then determined based on the adjusted throttle position value.

Abstract: An engine measurement and control methodology wherein the engine combustion rate and IMEP are measured by measuring the in-cylinder pressure at specific crank angles and utilizing a basic reading of pressure in the combustion chamber when it will be near to atmospheric, and also at at least one point in time after ignition begins and before top dead center. The measured data can be employed for fine tuning the engine control to obtain optimum performance.

Abstract: A fuel injection apparatus for internal combustion engines, having a fuel injection pump inserted into the housing of the engine. A pump piston, which is driven axially back and forth in a cylinder bore, with one end face defines a pump work chamber from which a short injection line leads to an injection valve, and which can be made to communicate via a feed line with a fuel-filled low-pressure chamber. A magnetic valve disposed on the fuel injection pump controls the high-pressure feeding into the injection line. In order to avert an overly rapid return flow of fluid from the injection line into the pump work chamber, a return flow throttle valve is inserted into the injection line.

Abstract: There is provided an air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine installed on an automotive vehicle. The control system controls the air-fuel ratio of a mixture supplied to the engine to a value leaner than a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio immediately after the start of the engine. Operating conditions of the engine and/or operating conditions of the automotive vehicle are detected. Starting of the vehicle is predicted based on the detected operating conditions of the engine and/or the detected operating conditions of the automotive vehicle. The air-fuel ratio of the mixture supplied to the engine is changed to a richer value than the leaner value when the starting of the vehicle is predicted.

Abstract: A fuel supply system for an engine having no fuel return pipe is disclosed. In steps target fuel is set according to an engine operating state. Thereafter, a target current value to be supplied to the motor of a fuel pump according to the target fuel pressure is obtained. In the succeeding step, an actual motor current is detected and, then, the target current value and the detcted current are compared. Thereafter, the supply current is controlled by feedback based upon the difference obtained by comparison between the target current value and the detected current value to eliminate the difference.

Abstract: A fuel pump manifold for a fuel delivery system of an automotive internal combustion engine includes a unitary housing with a fluid conduit formed therein. Inlet and outlet ports communicate with the fluid conduit, which are adapted to be connected to the outlet of a fuel pump and a fuel supply line, respectively. The fuel pump manifold further includes a jet pump supply port communicating with the fluid conduit to feed a jet pump of the fuel delivery system. To prevent fuel from draining from the fuel supply line through the manifold, a check valve is disposed within the outlet port. A pressure relief is also disposed within the fuel pump manifold to relieve excessive pressure in the fuel supply line.

Abstract: A method of leak detection for an evaporative emission control system during periods of low engine vacuum includes the steps of pulsing a leak detection pump at a predetermined rate and determining whether engine vacuum level is low. The method also includes the steps of maintaining pressurization of the evaporative emission control system if the engine vacuum level is low, maintaining pressurization behind a vapor canister vent valve if the engine vacuum level is low, and detecting for leaks in the evaporative emission control system after a normal engine vacuum level is attained.

Abstract: A load adjustment device, intended for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, has a desired-value transmitter actuatable by means of an accelerator pedal. The accelerator pedal has a safety contact which opens when the idle position of the accelerator pedal is reached. This safety contact is connected directly to an actuator, thus circumventing a control electronics system of the load adjustment device, and preventing action on the actuator by the control electronics system.

Abstract: A booster is constructed with a piezoelectric transducer including a combination of a primary side piezoelectric element and a secondary side piezoelectric element wherein input electrodes and an output electrode are provided in the thickness direction and length direction, respectively. The booster is contained in a plug cap. The plug cap covers one end of a spark plug. Using this arrangement, a primary voltage having a natural resonance frequency of the piezoelectric element or a waveform identical to a component waveform thereof is applied from a primary voltage generator to the input electrodes. At this time, the booster directly imparts a secondary high voltage from the output electrode to the spark plug by the piezoelectric effect, to generate a spark discharge in a discharge gap of the spark plug. This ignition system can be made smaller in size and weight at a low manufacturing cost.

Abstract: There is disclosed a projectile launcher with a firing mechanism that can be either hand-held or secured to a body plate. When secured to a body plate, the firing mechanism is attached to a conduit that has on its distal end, a secondary launch tube that can be hand-held or secured to head gear worn by the user and aimed with sights mounted on the head gear.

Abstract: A containment vessel is provided to allow the safe, environmentally acceptable release and recontainerization or other processing of hazardous contents from compressed gas cylinders or other target container. The containment vessel is used to position a gas cylinder or other target container adjacent to one or more pneumatic guns. A variety of projectiles are provided for use with the pneumatic guns to pierce the body of the target container. Each pneumatic gun includes a pneumatic chamber within which is developed a secondary force and a gun barrel attached to the containment vessel to fire a projectile which will puncture the target. Connections are provided for communicating with the containment vessel for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by rupturing the target without releasing the contents into the environment. All of the gas cylinder processing operations may be conducted remotely.

Abstract: A plurality of first strands are bundled with a plurality of second strands for forming a string used in a bow, and the first strand and the second strand are respectively made from filaments of polyethylene resin and filaments of polyparabenzamide resin or polybenzobisoxazole resin so as to mutually compensate drawbacks of these resins.

Abstract: A single ball release nock for a bowstring is adapted for use with a single ball release device. The ball release nock includes a first ball portion having a first bowstring groove extending in a first direction; and an alignment tail portion adapted for interengagement with the ball portion and having a second bowstring groove adapted to cooperate with the first bowstring groove to form an elongated bowstring aperture. The alignment tail portion includes a tail projecting in a direction parallel to the bowstring aperture and extending beyond the ball portion in the first direction. A second embodiment includes a second ball portion at the opposite end of the tail portion for use with a double ball release device.

Abstract: A multi-wire saw device for slicing a semiconductor ingot and method therefore provides a plurality of spaced wires for cutting the ingot which is held by two sets of clip boards therebetween. The sets of clip boards form a holding means which may ascend and descend in order to engage the cutting wires. The multi wire saw device includes a cassette having chambers partioned by wires extending between opposite cassette ends and into which individual wafers fall. The cassette is formed with teflon resin for easy entry of the wafers.

Abstract: A wire saw for slicing a semiconductor single crystal ingot with which alignment of the crystallographic orientation of the ingot is simple and easy in a slicing process and a method for slicing the ingot by means of the wire saw. Main rollers are three-dimensionally arranged with a predetermined distance between each other, and a wire runs over the main rollers to form arrays of wire portions parallel to each other, with said wire saw an ingot being sliced into rods by pressing it to an array of wire portions between a pair of main rollers that are used to slice the ingot, while the wire is being driven and slurry is fed to the array of wire portions between the pair of main rollers, wherein the wire runs over the pair of main rollers used for slicing in a ratio of one turn over the pair of main rollers to more than one turn over the other main roller or rollers so that the array of wire portions running over the pair of main rollers used for slicing can be arranged at a desired pitch.

Abstract: A direct vent fireplace has a mounting assembly for aiding in the installation of a vent cap assembly through which fresh air is drawn for combustion and exhaust gas products are expelled from the fireplace. The assembly includes a wall mounting box having a plate which may be secured to a pair of spaced apart framing studs of an interior wall adjacent to which the fireplace is to be installed. The wall box includes two members which are telescopically connected together so that the length from the plate to rear surface of the box may be adjustably selected to be equal to the thickness of an exterior wall through which the air enters and the flue gases exhaust. The vent cap assembly includes a plate which is secured to the rear end of the box after the box has been installed. Adjustable length flue gas and air tubes are received through the box and connect the event cap assembly to the fireplace.

Abstract: A high-temperature receiver for converting concentrated solar radiation has a channel with an inlet and an outlet. An areal air-permeable support element is connected to the inlet. An absorber structure for absorbing solar radiation is supported by the support element and is made of an air-permeable mat material. Air is transported as a cooling medium through the absorber structure in a flow direction identical to a direction in which the solar radiation hits the absorber structure. The mat material has a first density in an area where the solar radiation enters the absorber structure and a second density in an area where the absorber structure faces the support element. The first density is lower than the second density. The first density favors absorption of the solar radiation and the second density provides for a secure fastening of the absorber structure on the support element.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices for the oral or nasal inhalation of finely divided materials such as medicinal agents and drugs.

Abstract: An inhaling piece 1 is formed with an inhaling mouth 3 and a holder accommodating section 2. A capsule holder 6 is formed with a capsule accommodating hole 7 and air flow passages 8, 8 which extend axially, and is further formed with pin insertion holes 10, 11 which extend diametrically and are in communication with these air flow passages 8. When a capsule 17 is accommodated in the capsule accommodating hole 7 and the pins 16 are inserted into the pin insertion holes 10, 11, through-holes H, H, . . . are formed in the capsule 17. When the patient intends to inhale medicine, inhaling is made by first returning the pins 16 to the inhaling piece 1 so that the medicine can be securely and effectively carried to the lungs of the patient under the action of air flow.

Abstract: A respiratory apparatus (10) operable for delivering a breathable gas to the airway of a patient includes a status monitor (24,26) for determining the status of usage of the unit by the patient and a timer (32) for determining the accumulated time of usage of the unit by the patient.

Abstract: A waste anesthesia capture system includes exhaust apparatus having a rate of fluid flow of at least five times the rate of anesthesia gas delivered to a patient, the exhaust apparatus having a capacity of at least ten cubic feet per minute. The system further includes an exhaust conduit in fluid-integral communication, at a first opening, with the exhaust apparatus. Also included is a Y-shaped anesthesia gas conduct formed of a flexible memory-retaining material. A cross-section of a base portion of that conduit has an output in fluid-integral communication with a second opening of the exhaust conduit, and each of two branches of the Y-shaped conduit define longitudinal axes, the axes having a selectable separation in the range of nine inches to two feet, and each open end of the branches defining a diameter in the range of 0.5 to 4.0 inches.

Abstract: An individual mask for artificial respiration of a patient has a mask body ridging the nose of the patient at least in the area of the nostrils. The mask body has a hollow bead filled with an elastically yielding material for shaping the bead to match the contour of the patients face. The mask body also has a connector for connecting thereto a gas inlet line. To the mask body securing straps may be attached. An elastic film is connected to the bead and bridges a side of the mask body facing the patents face such that an interior space is delimited by the film and the mask body. The film has a cutout for introducing into the interior space the nose of the patent. The film is preferably made of a breathable and watervapor-permeable material.

Abstract: Filtration and closure barriers are disclosed which prevent passage of gas-carried contamination between the atmosphere and a collapsible sheath, which surrounds a catheter tube, during insertion and/or removal of the catheter tube from the respiratory tract of a medical patient.

Abstract: A probe useful for invasively monitoring the oxygen saturation level of blood in the tissue walls of an anatomical cavity generally comprises a chassis with an electrical connector extending from the proximal end of the chassis and terminating at a plug configured for connection to a pulse oximeter box. The probe further includes an optics assembly configured to generate and transmit electrical signals that are indicative of the dynamic oxygen saturation level of blood in the wall tissue. The probe further includes a deployment device attached to the chassis for biasing the optics assembly into the tissue wall of the anatomical canal and stabilizing the probe within the canal. Further, the oximetry sensing assembly may be configured as part of an esophageal stethoscope having other sensing devices, for example, a temperature sensor, a pacing assembly, and an acoustic monitor.

Abstract: A bidirectional steering catheter comprising a distal electrode assembly, a flexible tip assembly, an elongated shaft having a central lumen running the length of the shaft, and a handle/actuator. A plurality of ring electrodes are attached to the surface of the flexible tip assembly. Signal wires running the length of the catheter are electrically connected to each ring electrode. At least two pull cables having first and second ends extend distally through the central lumen. The first end of each pull cable is attached to the handle/actuator. The second end of each pull cable is attached to the distal electrode assembly, such that the distal electrode assembly may be moved between a first and a second position within a single plane by manipulating the handle/actuator. At least two reinforcement members are located inside the flexible tip assembly. Each reinforcement member has a proximal section, a middle section and a distal section.

Abstract: A guiding introducer for use in the left atrium comprised of a first, second and third section wherein the first section is a generally elongated straight section wherein merged with the distal end of the first section is a second section which is curved in a compound curve, first curving upward in a first longitudinal curve and simultaneously curving to the right in a second longitudinal curve, wherein the second section merges with the third section wherein said third section is a third longitudinal curve wherein the plane of the third section is angled upward at an angle of approximately 25 to about 60 degrees from the plane of the first section and wherein substantially all of the third section is coplanar.

Abstract: The invention is a system for non-invasive microwave tomographic spectroscopy of tissue using a plurality of microwave emitter-receivers spatially oriented to the tissue, an interface medium placed between the emitter-receivers, and a control subsystem operably coupled to the plurality of microwave emitter-receivers for selectively controlling power to the plurality of emitter-receivers and for receiving microwave signals from the plurality of emitter-receivers so that multiple frequency microwave radiation is emitted from a selected plurality of emitter-receivers and received by a selected plurality of emitter-receivers after interacting with and passing through the tissue, and a computational subsystem operably connected to the control subsystem for computing a tomographic spectroscopic image of the tissue from the microwave signals received from the selected plurality of emitter-receivers.

Abstract: The system of the present invention uses x-rays having a narrow fan beam to scan patients for bone density and soft tissue body composition measurement and imaging. In addition to single pass scanning of body parts such as the spine, hip and forearm, a method for multiple pass whole body scanning is provided. The system includes a movable scan table configured to support a patient and a C-arm associated with the table. The C-arm is configured to support an x-ray source in opposite to an x-ray detector at opposite sides of the patient. A scanning mechanism is provided to move the scan table and C-arm to scan the patient with overlapping adjacent x-ray fan beams in successive scan passes along the length of the patient. A scan pass combination scheme that blends areas of overlap is employed to compensate errors related to height dependency. The blending is performed according to the height of the part of patient scanned in the overlap and the distance from the edge of the scan pass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disease, injury or condition screening or sensing wherein biopotentials are received from a plurality of measuring sensors located in the area of a suspected disease, injury or condition change site. These potentials are then processed and the processed values are provided to a particular type of neural network or a combination of neural networks uniquely adapted to receive and analyze data of an identifiable type to provide an indication of specific conditions.

Abstract: A novel RF coil attached to an invasive device, such as a catheter, is used to detect magnetic resonance (MR) signals for monitoring the position of the device within a subject and for the acquisition of high-resolution magnetic resonance images of the tissue surrounding the device. The novel coil is sensitive to a small volume of MR active tissue during tracking procedures, but is sensitive to a larger volume during imaging procedures. During tracking, the MR signals are detected in the presence of magnetic field gradients and thus have frequencies which are substantially proportional to the location of the coil along the direction of the applied gradient. Signals are detected responsive to applied magnetic gradients to determine the position of the coil in several dimensions. The position of the novel coil, and hence the device, as determined by the tracking system is superimposed upon independently acquired medical diagnostic images.

Abstract: A medical ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is provided which is capable of being accessed over data communication networks such as the Internet, making the ultrasonic images, diagnostic reports, and ultrasound system diagnostics information and operation accessible to a conventional personal computer using commercially available software at virtually any remote location. In one embodiment, the ultrasound system can be remotely operated from the personal computer. The inventive apparatus and techniques make it possible for physicians to remotely access, control, and perform diagnoses using their ultrasound systems over a network such as the World Wide Web with no special hardware requirements.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for preparing gas-filled liposomes are described. Gas-filled liposomes prepared by these methods are particularly useful, for example, in ultrasonic imaging applications and in therapeutic drug delivery systems.

Abstract: Acoustic imaging balloon catheters formed by a disposable liquid-confining sheath supporting a high fidelity, flexible drive shaft which carries on its end an ultrasound transducer and includes an inflatable dilatation balloon. The shaft and transducer rotate with sufficient speed and fidelity to produce real time images on a T.V. screen. In preferred embodiments, special features that contribute to the high fidelity of the drive shaft include the particular multi-filar construction of concentric, oppositely wound, interfering coils, a pre-loaded torque condition on the coils enhancing their interfering contact, and dynamic loading of the distal end of the probe, preferably with viscous drag. The coil rotating in the presence of liquid in the sheath is used to produce a desirable pressure in the region of the transducer.

Abstract: A method and device for use in assessing the state of blood vessels within the human or animal body is provided. A vessel segment is identified for investigation, and at least one blood pressure responsive device is used to obtain pulse volume recordings of different sites, representing pressure at sites proximal and distal to the vessel segment. From the waveform signals obtained, Fourier transform spectra are determined for the respective sites and the transfer function between them is calculated. This is then analyzed to determine a clinically significant parameter, such as the integral of the transfer function, and this can be compared with a predetermined value to provide an indication as to the state of the vessel segment.

Abstract: A guidewire having pressure sensing capabilities for measuring the pressure of liquid in a vessel comprising a flexible elongate member and having proximal and distal extremities and having an outside diameter of 0.018" or less. The distal extremity of said flexible elongate member is adapted to be disposed in the liquid in said vessel. A housing is carried by the flexible elongate member and has a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of the flexible elongate member. The housing has a space therein with a pressure sensor mounted in the space in the housing. The pressure sensor has a diaphragm that is sensitive to changes of pressure in the liquid in the vessel. The diaphragm is rectangular in shape and is bordered by a rim surrounding the well. A backing plate is formed of an insulating material bonded to the crystal and serves to reinforce the rim of the crystal of semiconductor material.