Abstract: A cotton harvester includes up to eight or more brush type row units mounted on a cross auger system having a split cross auger structure with two auger portions for moving material inwardly toward a central location. Cotton is conveyed through the rear of the central location into two separation chambers, one for each auger portion, and into the lower portions of two corresponding conveying ducts which extend upwardly and outwardly at bend locations located just above the rockshaft and below the cab floor. Each duct includes a nozzle directing air upwardly above the bend location so that cotton is sucked into the bend. The ducts extend upwardly at an angle to the vertical direction and include uppermost sections extending rearwardly over the input sections of the two cleaners. The uppermost sections are angled from the horizontal and distribute the cotton evenly over cleaner inlets.

Abstract: A hand-held power working machine which makes it possible to enlarge the area of the front handle portion which is available for gripping, to enhance the rigidity of the hand protector, and to facilitate the mounting of the front handle and hand protector. This hand-held power working machine comprises a front handle portion and a hand protector, and is characterized in that the hand protector is constituted by a rear protector body having an inverted U-shaped cross-section formed with an upper plate and right and left side plates, and by a front protector body disposed in front of and extending outwardly from the rear protector body and forming a sectorial shape, and in that the front handle portion is integrally formed with the side plates of the rear protector body.

Abstract: A device for producing cable stranding from stranding elements (1) with changing direction of lay between stranding pulley (3) driven with alternating direction of rotation and stationary inlet pulley (5) on the wire inlet side with holes (8) to hold individual wires (1) to be stranded has several storage pulleys (4) likewise provided with holes (8). Storage pulleys (4) are pivotally mounted in machine frame (17). There is one drive (6) only for stranding pulley (3) and there is torsionally elastic connection (7,9,11,14,16) between stranding pulley (3) and storage pulleys (4), via which storage pulleys (4) are driven.

Abstract: Turbine aircraft engine starter systems and controllers for use therewith, and methods of starting turbine aircraft engines are described. A starter is operably connected with an aircraft engine and configured to initiate an engine start cycle which includes engine rotation and a fuel ignition point. A power source is connected with the starter and is configured to provide power thereto in accordance with at least first and second settings which apply different magnitudes of voltage to the starter. The first setting initiates the engine start cycle and the second setting accelerates the engine through the start cycle after the fuel ignition point. A controller is operably connected with the starter and the power source and is configured to monitor the engine start cycle and responsive to a controller-determinable time during the engine start cycle changes the first setting to the second setting.

Abstract: In a combined power station installation with a gas turbine (4) and a steam turbine (9-11), the exhaust gases from the gas turbine give up their residual heat to the steam turbine via the working medium flowing in a waste heat boiler (7). The waste heat boiler consists essentially of an economizer (21), an evaporator (22) and a superheater (23). A cooling air cooler (32, 33) designed as a once-through steam generator is connected on the water side to the economizer (21) of the waste heat boiler (7). The waste heat boiler is a once-through steam generator in which a separation bottle (25) is arranged on the steam side between the evaporator (22) and the superheater (23). The cooling air cooler (32, 33) is connected on the steam side to the separation bottle (25).

Abstract: A process and an assembly for eliminating nitrogen oxides (NO.sub.x) present in the exhaust gas of a lean-burn diesel or spark-ignition engine, is part of the exhaust line coming from the engine. At least one nitrogen oxides conversion catalyst is placed in the main exhaust line the catalysts having non-coinciding temperature ranges for which the NO.sub.x conversion is below a certain conversion coefficient (C.sub.min). At least one NO.sub.x trap placed upstream is the conversion catalyst(s) and intended to trap, then to release the nitrogen oxides. At least one line bypassing the main exhaust line contains at least one of the NO.sub.x trap(s); and at least one valve intended to modulate the flow of gas between the bypass line and the main exhaust line is provided so that the NO.sub.x trap(s) can trap the nitrogen oxides, notably when conversion catalyst(s) have a conversion coefficient below a predetermined value (C.sub.min) and so that said the NO.sub.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring emissions by monitoring performance of a catalytic converter using a predetermined indicated threshold value include determining a current value for the indicator based on signals generated by at least one exhaust gas sensor, modifying a historical indicator value based on the current value, and adjusting the predetermined indicator threshold based on the historical indicator value. The predetermined indicator threshold is adjusted provided various adapt criteria are satisfied. The historical indicator value is compared to the threshold to determine whether to generate a malfunction indicator signal. In one embodiment, emissions are indicated using a switch ratio based on the number of switches or transitions for upstream and downstream exhaust gas oxygen sensors.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control device for an engine comprises a three way catalyst arranged in the exhaust passage, an upstream-side air-fuel ratio sensor arranged in the exhaust passage upstream of the three way catalyst, and an downstream-side air-fuel ratio sensor arranged in the exhaust passage downstream of the three way catalyst. A first feedback correction coefficient is calculated on the basis of an output of the upstream-side sensor to make the air-fuel ratio equal to the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. A smoothed value is calculated on the basis of an output of the downstream-side sensor, the absolute value of a changing rate of the smoothed value being smaller than the absolute value of the changing rate of the output of the downstream-side sensor. A second feedback correction coefficient is calculated on the basis of a deviation of the output of the downstream-side sensor from the smoothed value. The first feedback correction coefficient is corrected using the second feedback correction coefficient.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold made of plate metal in which sufficient strength and rigidity can be ensured, lightening of the weight is intended by making walls thin as a whole, and early activation of a catalyst is easy. The exhaust manifold is one for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine having two groups of cylinders selected so that exhaust strokes are not successive. The exhaust manifold includes two exhaust pipe sections containing exhaust pipes communicating with the cylinders of one of the groups respectively, confluence sections where the exhaust pipes in each of the exhaust pipe sections join respectively, and a gathering section where the confluence sections join.

Abstract: A process for extracting energy from a compressed gas, includes of submerging a piston-cylinder assembly to a first, lower position, holding the assembly in the lower position while introducing a predetermined amount of compressed gas into the assembly, and then releasing the assembly. As the assembly rises, it is mechanically engaged with an endless chain, thereby causing the endless chain to move. The energy is then recovered from the endless chain by a sprocket that is engaged with the chain at a position that is remote from the piston-cylinder assembly. The system can be positioned in a man made tank, or in an open body of water. It is efficient, inexpensive, and can be designed to effect energy conversion over an extended period of time with a minimum of maintenance.

Abstract: A device for lowering boost pressure as a function of a defined setpoint engine torque (MMS) when the setpoint engine torque (MMS) or a setpoint engine performance quantity associated therewith is smaller than a corresponding engine performance quantity (MMFA) that is specified without boost pressure intervention. Thus, all performance quantities which require a specific engine torque are able to be controlled in open or closed loop by lowering boost pressure.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine with an exhaust gas turbocharger having an exhaust gas turbine arranged in an engine exhaust pipe upstream of a catalytic converter and a bypass line branching off the exhaust pipe upstream of the exhaust gas turbine and rejoining the exhaust pipe between the exhaust gas turbine and the catalytic converter, a bypass valve is provided which is so controlled that, after startup of the internal combustion engine, the bypass valve is, during a catalytic converter heat-up period, at least partially opened when the internal combustion engine load is below a predetermined value and is only closed when the engine load is above the predetermined value.

Abstract: A modular cooling panel for cooling a turbine member is provided. The cooling panel comprises a first panel having a relative width, relative length, upper surface and lower surface. The upper surface defines at least one corrugated portion traversing along a portion of the relative width of the upper surface. The corrugated portion defines a cooling flow channel through which a cooling fluid can travel to cool the turbine member. The cooling flow channel has at least one inlet opening for enabling the cooling fluid to enter into the cooling flow channel. The lower portion surface of the first panel is adapted to be coupled in fluid communication with the turbine member.

Abstract: A refrigerating and shipping container for refrigerated goods, whereby said container is made heat-insulated, with a door or a cover and with a refrigeration supply. According to the invention, a wall of the container has an indentation into which a cold finger of a refrigeration supply fits.

Abstract: The present invention provides A method for charging a refrigerant blend, when using as a refrigerant a non-azeotropic blend whose permissible range falls within 22 to 24% of difluoromethane, 23 to 27% of pentafluoroethane and 50 to 54% of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, comprising adjusting a composition of non-azeotropic blend in a feeding container to the level of 23.5 to 24.0% of difluoromethane, 25.5 to 26.0% of pentafluoroethane and 50.0 to 51.0% of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, discharging and transferring the non-azeotropic blend from the feeding container in liquid phase into another container in which a refrigerant is used so as to allow the composition change associated with the transfer to fall within the permissible range; and a method for producing a vapor compression refrigerating equipment.

Abstract: A method of conditioning a process stream of air in an air conditioning system wherein a process stream of air is dehumidified and cooled to provide a conditioned stream of air for introducing to a conditioned space. The method comprises the steps of providing an adsorption wheel having a multiplicity of passages through which process air can flow for adsorbing moisture therefrom, the wheel capable of adsorption of moisture from the process air and of regeneration on a continuous basis as the wheel rotates. An indirect evaporative cooler is provided having a dry side and a wet side separated by a moisture-impervious wall wherein heat is extracted from said dry side through the wall to the wet side. Cooling in the dry side is achieved by evaporation of water into air passing through the wet side. The process air is passed through the adsorption wheel to remove moisture therefrom to provide a moisture-depleted stream of process air exiting the adsorption wheel.

Abstract: There is provided a heat pump system including two (4, 6), at least similar units in fluid communication with each other, each unit having a housing (8, 8'), a first air/brine heat exchanger (12, 12'), a second brine/refrigerant heat exchanger (24, 24'), a brine inlet (10, 10') for applying brine onto at least one of the heat exchangers, a brine reservoir (14, 14') and a pump (28) for circulating the brine from the reservoir to the inlet. The first and second heat exchangers are in closed loop fluid communication with each other and have a compressor (44) for circulating a refrigerant therethrough in selected directions.

Abstract: An air conditioner system including an air conditioner unit having a first operating mode in which the air conditioner unit is operated to effect one of cooling and heating, and a second operating mode in which the air conditioner unit is operated to effect the other of cooling and heating, the air conditioner system including a main body of the air conditioner unit, the main body comprising a casing accommodating a heat exchanger, a fan, and electrical parts; and a first graphic-bearing panel detachably fitted to the front surface of the main body of the air conditioner unit, the first graphic-bearing panel comprising a plurality of ribs forming slits penetrating from an obverse surface of the first panel to a reverse surface of the first panel, and displaying a first visual cue of one of coolness and warmth on the horizontal ribs, the first visual cue of the first graphic-bearing panel matching the effect provided by the first operating mode.

Abstract: A temperature controlling pseudo load container for an insulated cold cabinet is provided in which the pseudo load container contains water or physiological saline and comprises at least one sealable opening portion for pouring water or physiological saline into the container and sensor arranging portions in which a temperature controlling sensor, and preferably a temperature recording sensor in addition, can be mounted closely to an external wall of the container and kept out of direct touch with the cold air in the insulated cold cabinet.

Abstract: In a refrigeration or air conditioning system employing two positive displacement compressors, one compressor has its speed controlled to exactly match the speed of the other compressor whereby beats between pressure pulsations, structural vibrations and radiated sound are minimized.

Abstract: A dry suction refrigeration system includes an evaporator fed with liquid refrigerant which discharges a vapor refrigerant to an accumulator. A compressor receives vapor refrigerant from the accumulator and compressies the vapor refrigerant. A condenser receives the compressed vapor refrigerant from the compressor and transforms the refrigerant into liquid refrigerant. A receiver receives the liquid refrigerant from the condenser and supplies it to the evaporator. The evaporator includes an electronic expansion valve operable to continuously monitor the evaporation of liquid refrigerant in the evaporator and to continuously meter the flow of liquid refrigerant, so as to cause a complete vaporization of the liquid refrigerant. Because the liquid refrigerant is completely evaporated, the vapor refrigerant is moved through the system by pressure differential alone.

Abstract: In a method for controlling the superheat temperature (T.sub.u) of the refrigerant in an evaporator arrangement (1) of a refrigeration system or heat pump system (1-4), the evaporator arrangement (1), a compressor arrangement (2), a condenser and a controllable expansion valve (4) are arranged in succession in a closed circuit. The superheat temperature (T.sub.u) is controlled in dependence on a comparison between desired and actual values. The desired value (W.sub.2) of the superheat temperature (T.sub.u is varied automatically in dependence on the difference (d) from a reference value (W.sub.1) of a periodically determined function (S) of a number of sampled values of a temperature (T.sub.1 ; T.sub.2) of the refrigerant with the aim of a stable control of the superheat temperature (T.sub.u). To achieve optimum filling and to optimize the superheating in such systems, provision is made for the said function (S) to characterize the variability of a number of sampled values of the temperature (T.sub.

Abstract: An automatically inflatable, deflatable and foldable solar-powered cooler mattress with a sunshade, including an auxiliary device for automatically inflating and deflating the mattress, which device includes an array of photovoltaic cells (1) for supplying the power needed to operate a motor (2) driving a turbine (4) which rotates to draw air in through a channel (9) in the mattress (5), said motor (2) also being operable to deflate the mattress (5) when the polarity of the motor power supply is reversed; a beverage cooler device comprising a water-soaked foam cylinder (17) so that when the turbine (4) is driven by the motor (2) to generate an air flow, said air flow causes evaporation of the water, thereby cooling the cylinder and an ultra-lightweight adjustable sunshade (10), one edge of the mattress being provided with a guide rail and a clamping system enabling the sunshade to be used in a variety of positions.

Abstract: Coolant apparatus, and an associated method, for quickly chilling an article, such as a beverage or food item. The article is placed in an enclosed compartment, and a forced flow of super-cooled air is directed upon the article. Heat energy of the article is convected thereaway.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus contains an oil sump having an interior portion. A housing is located, at least in part, within the oil sump interior. The housing has at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The inlet allows a vent gas stream to enter the housing and the outlet allows a vent gas stream to exit the housing. The inlet may be an aperture extending circumferentially around the housing about one-third to one-half of the housing's circumference. Additionally, the inlet should be above the surface level of any oil pool in the sump. A coalescing demister filter is located within the housing between the inlet and the outlet. The housing may include a wall for sheltering the filter from agitated areas of the gearbox. The filter is configured to remove substantially all of the oil from the vent gas stream. The filter may also have an outlet end which is sealed from the oil sump. The filter may also be pleated and enhances oil coalescence.

Abstract: In a heat transfer tube for a zeotropic refrigerant mixture, the inner surface of the tube in which the zeotropic refrigerant mixture flows is formed with grooves having cross portions where the grooves intersect with each other, or the inner surface of the tube is formed with a plurality of independent projections. Thus, concentration boundary layers generated in the zeotropic refrigerant mixture are stirred to reduce the thickness of the concentration boundary layers, thereby decreasing the diffusion resistance and promoting the stirring effect. Consequently, there can be provided a heat transfer tube for a zeotropic refrigerant mixture which exhibits a high heat transfer performance, and a heat exchanger of a cross-fin tube type, a refrigerator and an air conditioner which include such heat transfer tubes.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing quartz glass in a flame hydrolysis reaction inside a furnace, including the steps of mixing a gas containing Si, a combustion-supporting gas, and a combustible gas and discharging this mixed gas from a burner; producing a quartz glass powder by causing the mixed and discharged gases to react in a flame within the furnace while an opening area of an opening and shutting system of the furnace is controlled; and producing a quartz glass ingot by depositing and vitrifying the quartz glass powder on a target surface facing an interior of the furnace, wherein said producing step includes the step of controlling the opening area of the opening and shutting system of the furnace in accordance with the amount of growth of the ingot on the target surface.

Abstract: Fused biconical tapered couplers formed from the pulling of heated optical fibers have controllable coupling ratios by dynamically adjusting the heat intensity and pull speed during fabrication. Fiber coupler fabrication begins by arranging two optical fibers, heating the optical fibers using a heat source a predetermined distance from the optical fibers, and pulling the optical fibers at an initial pulling velocity as the heated optical fibers soften. The heat source is moved away from the optical fibers and the pulling velocity is selectively reduced in response to a substantial change in the detected coupling ratio. Changes in the coupling ratio are controlled by selectively reducing the pulling speed and the heat intensity to a point where the pulling of the optical fibers may be halted, and the heat removed, without a substantial change in the detected coupling ratio. The coupling ratio may be monitored at different wavelengths for fabrication of wideband couplers and wavelength division multiplexers.

Abstract: When a new yarn is received by a hook to form a new stitch loop, to prevent old stitch loops from going beyond the top end of the slider and being knocked over, the advanced position of the slider into the trick gap is maintained, and the new stitch loops are pulled into the old stitch loops. Next, the hook of a compound needle of the opposing needle bed is inserted into the old stitch loop, and said slider is lowered and retracted, and at the same time, the old stitch loops are transferred onto the hooks of the opposing needle bed to make split knit.

Abstract: A noise reducing clip device includes a clip body and a fulcrum-defining element. The clip body receives a washing machine wash tub wall and a fastener to secure the tub wall to the clip body and attach the clip body and tub wall therewith to a support leg disposed adjacent to the tub wall. The fulcrum-defining element is formed on and protrudes outwardly from the clip body for spacing the clip body from the support leg and providing only contact of the support leg with the fulcrum-defining element about which contact the support leg may undergo twisting and rocking motion induced by operation of a washing machine motor without imparting such motion to the tub wall via the clip body.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for dual adjacent doors and for a hasp. The locking apparatus of the invention includes a first locking bar connected by a hinge to a second locking bar, the first and second locking bar each having a pair of longitudinally spaced openings therein, the pair of openings in the first locking bar being aligned with the pair of openings on the second locking bar when the first locking bar is pivoted to contact the second locking bar, the first locking bar and the second locking bar being secured to each other by a lock located at the ends of the locking bars opposite the ends of the locking bars at which the hinge is located.

Abstract: A lock including a lock housing, a lock bolt rotatably mounted in the lock housing, an undulating end on the lock housing, a torque plate mounted on the lock bolt for rotation therewith, an undulating face on the torque plate, and a spring mounted on the lock bolt and biasing the torque plate into engagement with the undulating end of the lock housing with the undulating face of the torque plate in meshing engagement with the undulating end of the lock housing. A bracket is mounted on the lock housing, first wings on the bracket, and a key having second wings for engagement with the first wings when the lock is in an unlocked condition.

Abstract: A stretch-forming machine of the type wherein a pair of opposed curving jaws grips opposing ends of a metal sheet to be stretch-formed in a curved configuration. Each of the jaws are formed of an array of adjacent grippers movable relative to each other by respective hydraulic cylinders to define a part of the curve of the jaw. The improvement to the stretch-forming machine which is the subject of this application comprises a closed-loop servo-control means for moving each one of the grippers into a predetermined position relative to each other. Each of the servo-control means comprises a hydraulic cylinder position controller carried by the hydraulic cylinder of the one gripper for controlling hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic cylinder responsive to stored data representing the desired predetermined position of one of the grippers. A motor is provided for actuating the position controller in response to the data received by the position controller to move the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for hydraulically shaping hollow bodies of metal using a shaping tool arranged in a press frame includes a shaping tool arranged in a press frame, wherein the shaping tool has a lower part mounted so as to be displaceable vertically guided between an open position and a closed position and a movably supported upper part, wherein the lower part can be locked in the closed position by a locking member and the upper part can be pressed hydraulically against the lower part.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for forming an end portion of a cylindrical member or cylinder. A main shaft is positioned on a plane including the central axis of the cylinder, in parallel therewith. At least one roller is supported on the main shaft to be radially moved to and from the main shaft. The cylinder is held to position the central axis thereof in parallel with the main shaft. Then, at least one of the cylinder and the roller is moved relative to each other, with the central axis of the cylinder held in parallel with the main shaft, while the roller is moved radially toward an eccentric axis offset from the central axis of the cylinder, with the roller being in substantial contact with the outer surface of the one end portion of the cylinder. And, at least one of the cylinder and the roller is driven to be rotated relative to each other about the eccentric axis of the cylinder.

Abstract: A rotary forming apparatus (10) having a pair of lower and upper die carrier units (14, 16) each of which is rotatable on opposite sides of a workpiece (W), and having a plurality of die supports (22, 24) swingably mounted on each of the die carriers, and supporting upper and lower dies (82, 80), and having die support guide roller pairs (66, 68) mounted together on a common axis side by side on each the die supports and located adjacent to the leading or trailing edge of the respective die support, and a guide plate (56) alongside one end of each die carrier, and, guide grooves (58, 60, 62, 64) formed in each guide plate for receiving the pairs of die support guide rollers (66, 68), the grooves being formed so as to define inner and outer guide surfaces (74, 76), with one of the die guide rollers engaging one of the inner and outer surfaces and the other of the die guide rollers engaging the other of the inner and outer guide surfaces. Also disclosed is a method of rotary forming using such apparatus.

Abstract: A roller guide for a roll stand for precise guiding of a rod-shaped or wire-shaped rolling product in a caliber opening formed by rolls which engage the rolling product from an outer side and are distributed on its periphery, the roller guide has angular levers provided with legs on which the rollers are rotatably supported, turning pins on which the angular levers are turnable and which have turning axes extending transversely to a roll axis, an adjusting bushing by which the levers are jointly turnable so as to jointly displace the rollers radially to the roll axis, a coupling rod arranged between the adjusting bushing and each of the levers, the coupling rod being hingedly engaged on a leg of the lever which faces away from the rollers, and an angle between an engaging point between the coupling rod on the lever and a rotary axis of the roller with an apex point on the turning axis of the turning pin amounting to between 80 and 92.degree..

Abstract: A multipass wiredrawing machine, particularly for drawing metal wires, comprising a plurality of traction drums for the wire that exits from a corresponding die, the drums being arranged mutually in succession in order to wind the wire that exits from the die and guide it on to the next die. Each traction drum is fixed with respect to the corresponding die and can move towards or away from the next die; the movement of the traction drum and of the corresponding die allows constant adjustment of the tension of the wire between the die and the drum and between the drum and the next die.

Abstract: The process is characterized by means of successively executed displacements of material of a work piece into the inner bore diameter at different points of the mouth of a bore. The displacement of the material is executed by means of a die that can be moved at least approximately in the direction of the bore axis. The process for tightly closing a bore can preferably be used with work pieces comprised of ductile material, in particular an aluminum wrought alloy.

Abstract: A crude work having a cylindrical boss formed integrally with a base plate is processed to a final product by a press work without using additional machining. An inner diameter of the boss is enlarged by a punch, and at the same time an outer diameter of the boss is shrunk by an outer die, while the work is supported on a cushion ring to which a force against the movement of the punch and the outer die is applied. Some of the material constituting the cylindrical boss is squeezed, and a bulge is formed at a foot of the cylindrical boss out of the material squeezed. Since the bulge is fromed in a confined space in the die structure, no crack or defect develops in or on the bulge. The bulge is further compressed by a press work to form a flat flange out of the bulge. The cylindrical boss having the flange formed integrally therewith is used as a center boss for holding a bearing of a rotary machine.

Abstract: A universal simplified riveter, characterized by a telescopic housing consisting of two sliding pieces that are superposed so that it can be installed in a reversible drill of any brand, model, or shape, with said pieces being extended by covering the rotating part of the drill, thus protecting the hand of the operator when holding the riveter by its nonslip ergonomic exterior. Two design embodiments permit two ways of installation on the drill: in the chuck as a drill bit or over said drill bit without removing it.

Abstract: Mating sets of forming punches and dies having different combined working heights are mounted at multiple work stations in a single press brake by means of a variable height forming punch holder. The punch holder has a pair of mating step wedges that are adjustable to increase a working height of a mounted forming punch so that each mating set of forming punches and dies has an equal combined working height. This avoids custom tooling while allowing a sequence of forming operations to occur at multiple work stations without driving tools into contact with each other.

Abstract: The present invention allows accurate determination as to if deformation of a vehicle side part has occurred or not as a result of a side impact even though the used data consists of outputs of acceleration sensors for detecting accelerations given as combinations of deformation of a vehicle side part and a travel of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A test kit for measuring vapor emission from a concrete floor or other planar surface prior to installing a flooring material includes a relatively rigid dome-shaped cover having an outer bottom rim for seating with the planar surface to be tested when the cover is placed on the surface over an uncovered container of moisture absorptive material such as calcium chloride. The test kit further includes a weight ring that is removably placed onto a shoulder portion of the cover located at the cover's outer bottom rim. Placement of the weight ring on the dome-shaped cover during tests acts to hold the outer bottom rim of the cover in seating contact with the test surface. The test kit is easy to use and provides for reusable components. It can also be used without leaving a residue on the test surface.

Abstract: A Lambda probe type gas sensor for use in determining the oxygen content of exhaust gases produced by an internal combustion engine includes a sensor element of the electrochemical, solid electrolyte, metallic oxide semiconductor or Lambda air-fuel ratio variety, which sensor element is arranged in a metallic housing and is contacted by connecting cables that are brought out of the metallic housing. These connecting cables are each surrounded by cable insulation that is made of PTFE (Polytetra-fluoroethylene). The surface of the cable insulation has, at least in certain areas, a gas-permeable section that allows a reference atmosphere to arrive inside the cable insulation and, from there, in the metallic housing. The gas-permeable section, on the other hand, prevents ingress of liquids such as fuel, condensed water, etc., This is achieved, for example, by an additionally applied, PTFE film that is placed over the gas-permeable section.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for freon and other refrigerant matching, particularly for servicing of air conditioning systems for automotive applications. The matching process is based upon the comparison of resistance or infrared absorption or other data readings of a gas-sensing resistance or infrared absorption or other transducer applied to the refrigerant fluid under test and corresponding data from reference refrigerants.

Abstract: Odors are detected and/or recognized by aspirating samples of odors and odorless air mutually exclusively into an aspirating input of a venturi mixing nozzle along with operating or dilution air and having an assessor or panelist sniff the output of the venturi to determine the presence or absence of odor and to identify an odor, if present. The dilution ratio for each sample tested is changed by feeding the sample odor, or odorless air, to the venturi selectively through branches having different sized restrictive orifices thereby obtaining a wide range of dilution ratios for a particular odor. The different branches are selected by electrically operated solenoid valves which are programmably activated by a programmable logic controller (PLC) as the assessor successively tests each sample. For each sample, the assessor makes three sniffing tests by operating a three position rotary switch before making a selection or decision as to the presence and/or recognition of an odor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the concentration of unattached Radon progeny in air is described. The method consists of measuring the conductivity of the air or alternatively the concentration of fast ions in the air, and converting the measurement to a concentration of unattached Radon progeny by applying a predetermined ratio found to exist between conductivity and the concentration of unattached Radon progeny on the one hand, or between the concentrations of fast ions and unattached Radon progeny on the other hand. Apparatus for implementing the method includes means for measuring conductivity (or fast ion concentration), means for calculating the concentration of unattached Radon progeny using the predetermined ratios and output means for displaying the result of the calculation.

Abstract: A method of carrying out ionic current measurement in an internal combustion engine, using a lean fuel mixture which requires an increased burning duration, comprises the steps of (a) generating an ignition spark, (b) detecting initiation of combustion of the lean fuel mixture by the ignition spark, (c) cutting off the ignition spark within 20 microseconds after the initiation of combustion and (d) thereafter performing the ionic current measurement. The combustion start can be detected by measuring the change in the burning potential and/or the burning current, detected at the low-tension side of the secondary coil of the ignition system, using leak capacitances of the ignition coil, or by using a separate winding of the ignition coil. The ignition spark is cut off by a controllable ignition magneto.

Abstract: A fixture for holding a plastic or glass container and container closure member in a fixed position for measurement of the gases escaping through and around the closure member. A first clamp positions a closure cover over the closure member, and a second clamp positions a slidable yoke about the bottle neck, wherein the first and second clamps are sealably affixed together; the closure cover has a gas passageway for purging the gas from the chamber formed by the two clamps, and for collecting gas leaking through the closure member.