Abstract: An assembly of rib structures sandwiched between a dielectric glass layer and a glass substrate for use in a flat panel display, such as plasma addressed liquid crystal (PALC) displays, is formed by a number of methods. One method includes molding thermoplastic glass frit containing paste into rib structures, transferring the rib structures to a thin transparent layer of a thermoplastic dielectric glass frit containing composition on a drum, and transferring the rib structures with the thin transparent dielectric glass layer to a glass substrate having metallic electrodes already formed thereon.

Abstract: A door boot for an appliance is positioned within the access opening of the appliance. A door is movable to a closed position cooperating with the door boot to seal the interior of the appliance cabinet. A relief groove is provided in the door boot which provides flexibility when the door is moved to its open position, and thereby reduces the force necessary to break the seal during opening of the door. The relief groove forms a flexible hinge.

Abstract: A heavy duty steering wheel securing anti-theft device. Embodiments are described herein that also protect any air bag contained in the steering wheel.

Abstract: A safety pin and a magnetic key to actuated, loosen or tighten the pin, which incorporate means to automatically and by magnetic attraction connect a body of a cavity of a head of the pin, formed by a fixed part at an end of a road and by a movable par, by applying the key. The safety head of the pin delimits a totally closed cavity for a body of magnetic material, enable to slide axially while transmitting torque inside the cavity, provided with lateral locking means cooperating with similar means of the body, which is pressed against a bottom of the cavity by a spring supported by an upper base of the movable part, having external torque transmitting locking means for corresponding ones in the key.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a circular-shaped metal structure, includes the steps of (a) rotating a pipe around an axis thereof, the pipe being composed of a plastic-workable metal, and (b) applying drawing to an outer wall of the pipe with the pipe being kept rotated, to reduce a wall thickness of the pipe and lengthen a wall of the pipe. A resultant circular-shaped metal structure fabricated by the method could have a thickness equal to or smaller than 0.09 mm.

Abstract: In a state in which a material (blank) cut in a predetermined shape is mounted on a die and the bottom of the material is supported by a seat, the material is pressed by a tool from above and the tool is moved along the die so that the material is incrementally formed. The bottom of the material is fixed, so that the material is not inclined and can be formed in a predetermined shape. A circular arc portion of a flange is processed in a state in which it is clamped by the female die and the tool, so that the circular arc portion of the flange is not spread outside and the perpendicularity between the flange of the circular arc portion and the bottom can be increased.

Abstract: A rolling stand has a frame and a pair of support shafts centered on respective parallel shaft axes and each having an outer end projecting past the frame, inner and outer axially spaced bearing portions in the frame, and a gear between the respective inner and outer bearing portions. Each outer bearing portion lies between the respective inner bearing portion and the respective outer end. Respective rolls are carried on the outer ends outside the frame and respective eccentric sleeves rotatable in the frame about the axes engage the shafts at the bearing portions so that a spacing of the axes can be varied by rotating the sleeves in the frame. Respective pressure sleeves surround the shafts between the respective inner and outer bearing portions and are connected to a controller that pressurizes the sleeves and thereby bends the shafts in the frame between the inner and outer bearing portions.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the disclosed can lid has a center panel having a central axis that is perpendicular to a diameter of the outer rim, or peripheral curl portion, of the can lid, an annular countersink surrounding the center panel, an arcuate portion extending radially outward from the annular countersink, a step portion extending radially upward and outward from the arcuate portion, a first transitional portion extending radially outward from the step portion, a second transitional portion extending radially outward and upward from the first transitional portion, and a peripheral curl portion extending outwardly from the second transitional portion.

Abstract: A procedure for detecting microparticles released by at least one dispenser, encompassing the following steps: (a) triggering the dispenser over an oscillation target (20) with a sensor material (21), so that at least one microparticle hits the sensor material (21) and excites an acoustic wave, (b) detecting the acoustic wave with at least one oscillation sensor (31) connected with the sensor material (21), which emits an electrical sensor signal when the acoustic wave arrives, and (c) evaluating the sensor signal to determine the impact of the microparticle. The procedure is aimed at detecting the impact and/or impact positions of microparticles on a target. A detector for executing the procedure is also described.

Abstract: Weather vanes (1) are delicate instruments partially exposed to external conditions. They are used in particular in the aeronautical industry. The measurements provided by these weather vanes are crucial to the flying of an aircraft. A type of weather vane is proposed in which a vane can be changed. Changing the vane entails adjusting the orientation sensors (3). To perform this adjustment, use is made of a factory setting rig (16) that allows the various parts of the weather vane to be placed in a characteristic position.

Abstract: A device for testing vehicle occupant restraint systems for a side impact, with a target carriage (10) which is provided with a structure (12) in which there are mounted a seat (14) for a test dummy (16), an imitation (18) of the lower region of a vehicle side structure and the side impact restraint system (20) to be tested, and with an impact carriage (22) which is provided with a pushing surface (24) associated with the imitation (18) of the lower region of the vehicle side structure, the impact carriage (22) and the target carriage (10) being movable relative to each other such that an impact of the pushing surface (24) and the imitation (18) of the lower region of the vehicle side structure onto each other can be brought about at a predetermined speed, is characterized in that the structure (12) is additionally provided with at least one imitation (28) of the upper region of a vehicle side structure and that the impact carriage (22) is provided with an upper pushing surface (36) arranged above the lower p

Abstract: Oxygen permeation into a sealed container is determined both quantitatively or qualitatively by determining the intensity of color development of a reduced form of indigo-carmine dye in aqueous solution in the container.

Abstract: A leak test system and method for a motor vehicle fuel system. A pump forces air under pressure into vapor containment space. The pump operates in accordance with steps established by a processor. The pump creates superatmospheric target pressure in the space during an initial charging phase step, and after completion of that step, the pump is duty-cycled to regulate pressure in the space at the target pressure. A duty cycle comprises a burst of individual air pulses, one after another. The processor processes data corresponding to the duty cycle using P-I-D operations to set the number of pulses in a succeeding burst for regulating the pressure. When stability of the duty cycle is attained, the period of the duty cycle indicates leakage from the space.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for analyzing a fluid used in a machine or in an industrial process line. The apparatus has at least one meter placed proximate the machine or process line and in contact with the machine or process fluid for measuring at least one parameter related to the fluid. The at least one parameter is a standard laboratory analysis parameter. The at least one meter includes but is not limited to viscometer, element meter, optical meter, particulate meter, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: In an apparatus for measuring the viscosity of plastic materials including a heatable housing structure, enclosing a controllable material pump for generating a certain material flow, a plurality of capillaries, a melt distributor is provided in the supply line of the material from the material pump to the capillaries with which the material can be directed to either of the plurality of capillaries and each capillary is provided with a pressure and a material temperature sensor providing the values needed for determining the viscosity of the material.

Abstract: A continuous flow moisture analyzer (20) includes a coaxial needle (34) having first and second needle portions (36, 38). The first needle portion (36) receives a carrier gas (24) and expels the carrier gas (24) through an output orifice (60). The second needle portion (38) has an input orifice (62) for receiving the carrier gas (24) expelled from the output orifice (60). A housing (40) encloses the output orifice (60) and the input orifice (62) when the moisture analyzer (20) is in a standby mode to obtain a baseline moisture content of the carrier gas (24) within the moisture analyzer (20). A bottle (48) retains a sample material (50). When the analyzer (20) is in an active mode, the coaxial needle (34) penetrates a septum (52) of the bottle (48) to position the output and input orifices (60, 62) in the bottle (48). The carrier gas (24), expelled from the output orifice (60), absorbs moisture from the sample material (50) in the bottle (48).

Abstract: A vehicle testing assembly for performing tests to determine certain characteristics of a motorized vehicle having a set of driven wheels. The testing assembly includes an annular roller with an outer surface. The roller is preferably formed of a steel composition. A controller is connected to the roller for retrieving data from the roller during a rotation of the roller. The testing assembly is characterized by a coating being applied to the outer surface of the roller to define a contact surface of the roller. The coating is formed of a coating composition different from the steel composition of the roller. Preferably, the coating composition comprises nickel and phosphorus. During operation of the vehicle testing assembly the wheel of the vehicle continuously contacts the contact surface of the coating to provide an accurate testing of the characteristics of the vehicle as the roller rotates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting dynamometric testing of an internal combustion engine at a test site under a simulated atmospheric pressure that differs substantially from an actual ambient atmospheric pressure existing at the test site. The internal combustion engine has an air inlet for supplying an intake airflow for combustion within the internal combustion engine and an exhaust outlet for exhausting an exhaust flow exiting from the internal combustion engine. The method includes the steps of subjecting the air inlet to the simulated atmospheric pressure, subjecting the exhaust outlet to the simulated atmospheric pressure and operating the internal combustion engine while both of the air inlet and the exhaust outlet are subjected to the simulated atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An improved method of estimating the oil pressure of an internal combustion engine utilizes a physical model that takes into account both engine speed and engine oil temperature. The oil pressure is estimated as the sum of static and dynamic components, where the dynamic component includes a first portion that primarily models flow-related effects, and a second portion that primarily models temperature-related effects. The constants and temperature-related variables of the physical model are combined to form one constant calibration value, and two temperature-dependent calibration values. The parameters of the physical model provide a starting point for the calibration values, and the calibration values are then tuned during a calibration procedure so that the estimated oil pressure tracks an accurate measure of the oil pressure during both steady-state and transient engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for calculating the air charge mass for an engine as a function of four measured parameters. These parameters include the engine speed measured by a tachometer, a throttle position measured by a throttle position sensor, manifold air temperature, and barometric pressure. Without the need for a mass air flow sensor or a manifold absolute pressure sensor, the present invention provides a system for quickly and accurately calculating the air charge mass for the engine.

Abstract: A method of inflating a tire, or vehicle tire, that minimizes the amount of time needed for same is disclosed. The method of inflating a tire with a tire pressure management system includes introducing continuous fluid flow of a fluid into the tire, ascertaining the dynamic pressure of the fluid during said introducing continuous fluid flow, terminating continuous fluid flow when the dynamic pressure exceeds or equals a predetermined amount, and introducing pulsed fluid flow of the fluid into the tire.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the instantaneous behavior of a tire includes the steps of acquiring and storing at least one basic reference curve representing variation of a displacement of at least one specified point of the tire in at least one of three spatial directions as a function of a spatial position of the at least one specified point during at least one portion of a revolution of the tire, continuously acquiring first signals representing the spatial position of the at least one specified point, deriving from the spatial position signals of the at least one specified point at least one cyclic curve of current operating displacement in at least one spatial direction, continuously comparing the at least one cyclic curve of current operating displacement with the at least one basic reference curve, and emitting a second signal depending on results of the comparison. A related device is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a fiber splicing device, an adjustment apparatus for moving a first fiber-section perpendicular to its end face is designed such that it is composed of at least one piezo-actuator and a drive. After the splicing of the two fiber ends, the piezo-actuator is charged to a preset electrical voltage and the electrical voltage at the piezo-actuator is subsequently measured while the first carriage is moved away perpendicular to the fiber end face and is compared to the preset values. As a result thereof, the tensile stress acting on the fiber can be identified dependent on the movement of the first carriage, so that the drive can be arrested after a preset tensile testing stress has been reached.

Abstract: A method of the invention allows the determination of aircraft sideslip using an air data probe and an inertial reference unit. A lateral sideslip component &bgr;L of the aircraft is calculated as a function of inertial flight information. An angular sideslip component &bgr;A of the aircraft is also calculated as a function of inertial flight information. The lateral sideslip component &bgr;L and the angular sideslip component &bgr;A are combined to obtain a total sideslip angle &bgr;TOTAL for the aircraft. The total sideslip angle &bgr;TOTAL can be used to compensate static pressure, angle of attack and other aircraft parameters for sideslip effects.

Abstract: A flow rate-measuring device capable of measuring accurately a flow rate of fluid to be measured containing a drift or eddy as compared with a conventional device is provided. A flow rate-measuring passage 11 for measuring a flow rate of the fluid to be measured is constructed so that its opening area in an upstream region communicating to an inlet 111 gradually decreases from upstream to downstream. A flow rate-detecting element 31 is disposed near an outlet in the flow rate-measuring passage 11. The device is provided with a leak flow passage 18 allowing a part of the fluid which has flown in from the inlet 111 of the flow rate-measuring passage 11 to leak out of the flow rate-measuring passage 11 at a portion upstream from an outlet 112 of the flow rate-measuring passage 11, in particular upstream from a position where the flow rate-detecting element 31 is disposed.

Abstract: A linear position sensor is provided which employs phase quadrature sensor windings, an excitation winding and a resonator. When an excitation current is applied to the excitation winding, it causes the resonator to resonate which in turn induces signals in the sensor windings. The sensor windings are spatially arranged so that the electromagnetic coupling between them and the resonator varies with the position of the resonator. The excitation windings, phase quadrature windings and resonant circuit are arranged so that the magnetic fields involved in the operation of the position sensor are substantially parallel to each other and the direction of movement of the resonator. Consequently, the effect of rotation of the resonator or lateral movement of it relative to the excitation and phase quadrature windings is alleviated.

Abstract: An integrated water sensing actuator is based on a fibrous cellulosic material having anisotropic moisture-absorbing properties such that it's dried-in strain is greatest along one axis thereof. A plug of the dry and compressed fibrous cellulosic material has a powder material coated thereon and mixed therewith. The plug is compressed along it's axis of greatest dried-in strain and is fitted in a water-permeable housing adjacent a piston. The powder material is inert with respect to the cellulosic material and initiates a chemical reaction when exposed to water such that a product of the chemical reaction is water. Immersion of the housing in water causes expansion of the plug and corresponding movement of the piston.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a finite clearance space between two parts under blind assembly conditions involves threading an elongated sensor into a housing containing the part to be sensed by first placing a spacer element on an operative surface of the sensor wherein the spacer element has a radial thickness equal to the finite clearance space. The sensor is screwed unto the housing in a radial direction towards the operative surface of the sensor until the spacer element engages the operative surface, thereby specifically locating the operative surface a precise radial distance from the operative surface.

Abstract: A specific gravity measuring device can certainly and instantly measure specific gravity of various solid state substances through one measurement operation quite simply. The specific gravity measuring device includes a liquid bath, a first measuring portion supporting the liquid bath, a measuring object receptacle member arranged in the liquid bath in a condition dipped in the liquid, a second measuring portion supporting the measuring object receptacle member in non-contact condition relative to the liquid bath, an arithmetic unit deriving a specific gravity value on the basis of measured values of the first and second measuring portions and a display unit for displaying the specific gravity value derived by the arithmetic unit.

Abstract: A hydrometer comprises a transparent container including a top opening, two arcuate dividers extended from both sides of top opening for dividing the interior of container into a measuring chamber and two opposite side channels each having a bottom open end in communication with measuring chamber and a top inlet open to outside, and a pointer pivotably mounted inside measuring chamber and adapted for indicating a specific gravity of liquid (e.g., sea water) contained in measuring chamber A fluid path is formed from top inlet through channel and bottom open end into measuring chamber as container immersed in the liquid to be measured. This can avoid the generation of bubbles. Further, the time(s) of adjustment of the specific gravity of liquid can be precisely determined.

Abstract: A support for supporting two or more units used in a system for measuring a speed and or acceleration of a vehicle, with the support able to rest on a surface, has an elongated bar on which the units are mounted. A first leg and a second leg are both mounted to the bar. A third leg is mounted to a rear portion of the bar. The legs are height-adjustable.

Abstract: Resonator which can be produced by micromachining and has a mass part (DF1, DF2, V1, V2) which is fixed by means of a resilient suspension (FA) to an anchoring point (AN) in such a way that it can perform rotary oscillations in its plane, in which, in the rest position of the mass part, the resilient suspension is aligned only along an axis (SAX) of symmetry with regard to which the mass part is of mirror-symmetrical design.

Abstract: A rotational rate gyroscope for detecting rotation thereof comprises a base member, a primary oscillator supported by its primary oscillator suspension so as to be movable with respect to the base member, and a secondary oscillator supported by a secondary oscillator suspension, separate from primary oscillator suspension, so as to be movable with respect to the primary oscillator. The secondary oscillator suspension is designed such that movement that can be applied to the primary oscillator can be transferred to the secondary oscillator, whereas the movement of the secondary oscillator effected by the Coriolis force substantially is not transferred back to the primary oscillator. In addition thereto, the major surfaces of the primary oscillator and of the secondary oscillator extend substantially in the same plane, with the movement of the primary oscillator and/or of the secondary oscillator also taking place in this plane.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor is disclosed which includes a capacitance-type acceleration detection element mounted on a ceramic base plate. The element comprises a movable electrode mounted between a pair of fixed electrodes. Acceleration of the sensor in a measurement direction causes the movable electrode to move relative to the fixed electrodes and the element has opposite ends in a direction perpendicular to the measurement direction. The acceleration detection element is mounted on the base at a first one of the opposite ends. Accordingly, the mounting surface of the acceleration sensor is parallel to the direction of acceleration to be detected. Thus the acceleration sensor can be surface-mounted on a printed board, and more be easily mounted in an automobile air bag control system or the like.

Abstract: A detector equipped with force feedback for detecting detonatable devices such as land mines is disclosed. The detector includes a rod having a tip for placing beneath the surface of the ground and for contacting unknown objects. The tip ultrasonically provides an indication of the presence of a metal or plastic material. Means for providing a plurality of ultrasonic signals, each signal of a different frequency, to the unknown object via a single rod is used to compensate the device during use against unknown pressures applied to the rod beneath the surface of the ground.

Abstract: The average wall thickness of a pipe carrying a fluid is determined by sensing disturbances in the pipe at two spaced locations, determining the propagation velocity of coupled propagation mode signals at low frequencies resulting from the disturbances, and calculating the average pipe wall thickness between the two locations from the propagation velocity and known constants for the pipe and fluid.

Abstract: A line length measuring device for a fishing reel in which the spool diameter data is obtained on the basis of the time for which an ultrasonic wave is radiated from the ultrasonic sensor mounted on a reel main body onto a spool face of the spool and its reflected wave is received by the ultrasonic sensor, and the line length is measured from the spool diameter data and the number of rotations of the spool detected by rotational number detecting means and displayed. A velocity measuring device is provided for detecting a velocity of the ultrasonic wave radiated from the ultrasonic sensor, in which the spool diameter data is acquired on the basis of the velocity of ultrasonic wave measured by the velocity measuring means.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sparse imaging array includes a substrate of an acoustically absorptive material, through which extend a multiplicity of holes. Adhesive sheets, having selectively conductive regions, are fixed to a first side of the substrate, and are each disposed over a first end of one of the holes. Plano-convex shaped transducer elements, having a wide acoustic field of view, are disposed on each of the sheets, each of the sheets serving as a positive electrode and providing a mechanical and electrical connection between the substrate and a multiplicity of transducer elements. Plating is fixed to the first side of the substrate and covers each of the transducer elements and comprises a negative electrode. A conductive epoxy fills each of the holes and a power source is in electrical communication with the negative electrode.

Abstract: The disclosed invention mounts transmitting and receiving electrical coils (52, 54) within channels or chambers (48, 50) formed by the notched ends of magnets (24, 28) closest to the metallic structure under test (40) where said magnets (24, 28) are arranged to form annular arrays (20, 22) of an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) pair applicable in non-destructive testing. The detection of one or more electromagnetically-induced resonant frequencies at shifted locations indicates the presence of one or more flaws (58, 60) in the metallic structure under test (40). The novel recessed mounting of the coils provided by the channels or chambers (48, 50) substantially reduces the observed electrical cross-talk between coils (52, 54) over the prior art and reduces the likelihood of the coils (52, 54) making contact with the subject metallic structure under test (40) as it is in longitudinal motion relative to the coils (52, 54).

Abstract: Pressure sensor for measurement of gas pressure in a cylinder of a combustion engine, including a tube shaped in cross section as an hourglass. In the axial direction the tube consists in part of a section connected to the cylinder and open to the cylinder, in part of a measuring section and in part of a final section the end of which is closed. The measuring section of the tube is shaped so that in the tubes axial direction two parallel measuring surfaces are established against which are two beams connected to force transferring yokes arranged to influence force measuring organs for the determination of the force with which the gas pressure influences the parallel measuring surfaces of the tube. In this pressure sensor and other embodiments the influences of temperature fluctuations and any shunting effects of the material of the measuring tube are reduced to a minimum.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a pressure sensor for a pressure measuring transducer which contains a base body (3), and a pressure-sensitive measuring membrane (7). The membrane is located on the base body (3) and can be subjected to a measurable pressure. The first chamber (10) is arranged between the base body (3) and the measuring membrane (7) in order to protect the measuring membrane (7) if the pressure to be measured exceeds an upper pressure limit. A second chamber (11) is provided to protect the measuring membrane (7) if the pressure to be measured falls short of a lower pressure limit. The second chamber (11) is arranged between the measuring membrane (7) and a contact plate (5) The contact plate is situated on the side of the measuring membrane (7) opposite the base body (3). A bore (6) is provided for subjecting the measuring membrane (7) to pressure.

Abstract: A sensor capsule suitable for use in an industrial process fluid transmitter. The sensor capsule includes a block that has a sensor mounting hole. The block includes two half-blocks joined along mating surfaces passing lengthwise through the sensor mounting hole. A sensor has a sensor neck passing through the sensor mounting hole. The sensor neck is sealed to the sensor mounting hole.

Abstract: This pressure gauge comprises a mounting section connected to a joint provided partway along a pipeline, and a measurement section provided on the mounting section, and in which the upwards movement of an actuator rod causes a rotation of a needle. In the mounting section, a concave section is provided with a base which interconnects with the inside of the pipeline, and inside this concave section is provided a diaphragm with a closed base, with an outer surface comprising a bellows section formed as a concertina shape, and with a central aperture for housing the tip of the actuator rod, and the pressure of fluid within the pipeline acts upon the base of the diaphragm compressing the diaphragm. At the tip of the actuator rod housed within the housing aperture is installed a protective cap which is constructed from polytetrafluoroethylene resin or a vinyl chloride or the like with excellent chemical resistance.

Abstract: A system and method to measure physical conditions at an object under test. This system comprises at least one micro-electro mechanical die module placed proximate to the object under test. The micro-electro mechanical die module is formed on a substrate and consists of at least one micro-mechanical transducer to monitor physical conditions, a series of integrated circuits electrically connected to the micro-mechanical transducer in order to read the output of the transducer, an internal photo voltaic device located on the substrate, and a transmitter internal to the micro-electro mechanical die module connected to the integrated circuits and a first antenna. A second antenna gathers signals transmitted by the micro-electro mechanical die module. The micro-electro mechanical die module transmits a signal when the photo voltaic device is scanned by a coherent light source.

Abstract: A system for measuring and monitoring multi-phase fluid production of a plurality of individual wells, each operating as part of a common production field. Upstream multi-phase flow measurements are simultaneously taken at each individual well. Downstream multi-phase flow measurements are taken at a point where the production from the entire field is combined. The downstream multi-phase flow measurement is allocated back to each individual well based on the measured upstream multi-phase flow for each individual well.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the real-time measurement of volumetric flow rates of the water/oil/gas fractions of a multiphase (water/oil/gas) flow in a pipe without the requirement of the separation of the gas and liquids. A number of material property sensors, multiphase flow-rate sensors, and temperature sensors are utilized. The water, oil or gas properties in a small region are determined instantaneously by a number of material property sensors based on the viscosity differences of the individual phases of the multiphase fluid at a certain temperature. Adding the volumetric flow fractions of the same phases in the small regions, the volumetric flow of the individual phases of the multiphase flow during a known time interval can be obtained.

Abstract: A flow meter for use in an oil well has a central bore region in which an annular tube is fixed co-axially with the central bore region by a ring, which also seals the gap between the inner bore of the central bore region and the tube at its downstream end, thus forming a pocket open to the direction of fluid flow through the central bore region. The pocket brings the fluid to rest, thereby converting all of the dynamic pressure of the fluid into static pressure. This has the effect of maximizing the pressure differential obtainable between the central bore region and a position upstream of the tube, which allows an electronic calculation to be made to provide a more accurate flow rate measurement than would have been possible without the pocket.

Abstract: A high-resolution pressure-sensing device is disclosed. The device includes an insulating flexible matrix having a plurality of filler particles. Application of a force to the matrix causes compression of the matrix. This results in the filler particles occupying a greater amount of space within the matrix relative to when no force is applied. A detector attached to the matrix detects or measures the volume of the filler particles relative to the volume of the matrix, and therefore determines the force applied to the matrix. Preferably, the resistivity of the matrix is inversely proportional to the volume percent of the filler particles, in which case the detector is a resistance measuring circuit.

Abstract: A sampler for removing a sample of gas from a flue or stack utilizes virtual impactor principles, together with a gas jet ejector to insure that the surfaces are kept free of particles. The gas that is, discharged from the sampler thus is not changed in character by contact with particles that may adhere to surfaces of the sampler.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus that allows multiple uncontaminated samples to be taken from hydrothermal vents and the oceanic or limnological water column. The apparatus includes a sampling nozzle for taking in the sample. A sample collection unit is in fluid communication with the sampling nozzle and includes at least one sampling module for the collection of a predetermined type of sample. A fluid intake module is in fluid communication with the sample collection unit and the sampling nozzle. The fluid intake module includes at least one pump for drawing a sample fluid through the sampling nozzle and sample collection unit. A control module is in electrical communication with the fluid intake module. The control module includes a micro-controller for controlling the fluid intake module and a computer readable memory for storing sampling data for use by a user.