Abstract: The primary object of the present invention is to provide a process and an apparatus to recover heat from a combustion engine turbine exhaust that involves exchanging heat between the combustion engine turbine exhaust and both a heat transfer medium and water. The exhaust is cooled in a series of heat exchange steps that ultimately produces a heated heat transfer medium fluid and superheated steam.

Abstract: Apparatus for simplification of engine core removal for maintenance of gas turbine engines. Ordinarily, to remove a high-pressure compressor in a twin-spool engine, many components of the engine must be removed, such as parts of a booster, in order to gain access to a mounting nut which is threaded onto a shaft supporting the high-pressure compressor. The removal is necessary because the nut must be extracted from the engine after disengagement from the shaft. Under the invention, this removal-of-components is largely eliminated, by providing a stowage location for the nut within the engine. The nut is removed, and then threaded onto a set of threads specifically provided for storage of the nut, and for nothing else.

Abstract: A gas turbine which is capable of operating in more than one pressure mode. The gas turbine, which may include a single fixed spool, multiple fixed spools, or a combination of fixed spool(s) and a free turbine, can operate in a positive pressure mode, a transatmospheric mode, or a subatmospheric mode. Valving is provided to control the particular pressure mode of operation in response to system requirements and to switch between pressure modes as required. The gas turbine is particularly useful with a catalytic combustor where the gas turbine can be started in a mode where the catalytic combustor, and its associated preheater, is at or below atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An outer crossfire tube for attachment between adjacent combustors in a land-based gas turbine includes a substantially cylindrical bellows portion and a pair of uniform diameter free ends on opposite sides of the bellows portion, the uniform diameter free ends adapted to seat within apertures provided in the adjacent combustors. The outer crossfire tube is surrounded by a telescoping sleeve assembly, with remote ends of a pair of telescoping sleeve members fixed to respective combustor flanges.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for thermally conditioning and pumping a fluid. The system includes a thermoelectric heat exchanger having a thermoelectric device configured to pump heat. Heat exchangers are provided for transferring heat to and from the thermoelectric device and for generating a fluid flow across the thermoelectric device. The conditioned fluid may be placed in thermal communication with a variety of objects, such as a vehicle seat, or anywhere localized heating and cooling are desired. Thermal isolation may also be provided in the direction of flow to enhance efficiency.

Abstract: A suction line heat exchanger storage tank for use in a vapor compression system to increase the efficiency and capacity of the system. Carbon dioxide is preferably used as the refrigerant. The high pressure of the system (gas cooler pressure) is regulated by adding charge to or removing charge from the system and storing it in a storage tank. The suction line heat exchanger exchanges heat internally between the high pressure hot refrigerant fluid discharged from the gas cooler and the low pressure cool refrigerant vapor discharged from the evaporator. The high pressure is regulated by adjusting valves. A first valve allows excess charge from the system to enter the storage tank if the pressure in the gas cooler is too high. If the pressure in the gas cooler is too low, a second valve is opened to allow excess charge from the storage tank to reenter the system. By regulating the high pressure of the system, the evaporator inlet enthalpy can be controlled to achieve optimal efficiency and/or capacity.

Abstract: A refrigerant composition comprising a hydrofluorocarbon component including 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HCFC 134a), the composition further comprising an additive selected from a saturated hydrocarbon or mixture thereof boiling in the range −5 to +70° C.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator comprises an ultraviolet discharging lamp, for irradiating ultraviolet rays to an air duct inside the refrigerator, and irradiating a visible light to a cold storage compartment of the refrigerator; a light catalyst filter, installed in the air duct and activated by the ultraviolet rays; a fan for forming an air curtain when a door of the cold storage compartment of the refrigerator is opened; and a controlling device for lighting the ultraviolet discharging lamp when the door of the cold storage compartment of the refrigerator is opened. In addition, the refrigerator can further comprise an operating device for setting or disabling an antimicrobial mode of the refrigerator; and a controlling device for lighting the ultraviolet discharging lamp for a preset interval, and turning off the ultraviolet discharging lamp when a door of the refrigerator is opened, when the antimicrobial mode is disabled.

Abstract: A defrost control system for a self-defrosting refrigerator is configured to monitor a compressor load, determine whether at least a first defrost cycle is required based on the compressor load, execute at least one defrost cycle when required; and regulate the defrost cycle to conserve energy. A controller is operatively coupled to a compressor, a defrost heater, and a refrigeration compartment temperature sensor. The controller makes defrost decisions based on temperature conditions in the refrigeration compartment in light of other events, such as refrigerator door openings, completed defrost cycles, and power up events. Defrost cycles are automatically adjusted as operating conditions change, thereby avoiding unnecessary energy consumption that would otherwise occur in a fixed defrost cycle.

Abstract: A control box kit for twinning fan coils in a heat pump or AC installation includes electro-mechanical isolation relays and auxiliary limit switches. Existing fan coil transformers are disconnected to avoid component failure due to high voltage wiring variations. A single transformer is connected to operate both systems. Isolation relays for the reversing valves and supplemental electric heaters in a heat pump system allow both heat pumps to have independent defrost cycles. The accessory transformer and isolation relays are packaged and pre-wired in a control box for easy connection in the field.

Abstract: A chiller system includes at least two refrigerant circuits. In a low ambient temperature condition, only one refrigerant circuit is activated, but its condenser fan is de-energized. To provide some airflow across the condenser of the activated circuit, a condenser fan of the inactive circuit is energized. A small air duct allows the condenser fan of the inactive circuit to draw a low volume of air across the condenser of the active circuit.

Abstract: A first check valve 620 for allowing refrigerant to flow only from a compressor 100 to an evaporator 300 (a refrigerant passage 510) is provided in a hot-gas passage 600 that conducts refrigerant discharged from the compressor 100 into the evaporator 300 without passing through a radiator 200 and an ejector 400. Therefore, the refrigerant can be prevented from flowing into the hot-gas passage 600 during normal operation. In normal operation, the refrigerant in the hot gas passage 600 from the low pressure side (on the side of the evaporator 300) can be prevented from being retained in the hot-gas passage 600, so that the required amount of refrigerant can be reduced and the cost of producing the ejector circuit can be also reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ventilation arrangement for buildings with heat removal from an exhaust-air flow (LAb) discharged from the building and/or from a fresh-air flow (Lzu) supplied to the building, the arrangement having a heat pump which has a coolant/water heat exchanger (WW) with a mass flow controlled by the water system and having a coolant/air heat exchanger (LWzu, LWAb) serving the fresh-air flow (Lzu) and the exhaust-air flow (LAb), the coolant/air heat exchanger (LWzu, LWAb) being connectable in series to the coolant/water heat exchanger (WW).

Abstract: An enclosed container for storing temperature sensitive goods. The container has opposed side walls and end walls as well as a floor and a ceiling. First and second bulkheads are moveably mounted within the container for dividing the container into three separate compartments. Two end compartments are services by fixed heat exchanges for conditioning the air in the compartments. A center compartment is serviced by a movable heat exchanger. By repositioning the bulkheads and the movable heat exchanger the volume and thus the load carrying capacity of the compartments can be varied to accommodate different types of cargo and the temperature levels in the compartment independently maintained.

Abstract: Sound attenuation apparatus for use in a bus in which an air conditioning unit that is mounted on the rear wall of the bus is arranged to exchange conditioned air for return air drawn from the buses passenger compartment through a central opening in the rear wall of the bus. A housing is mounted over the central opening inside the bus that has a front wall that extends to either side of the opening. Apertures are mounted in both the extended sections of the front wall that forces the return air passing through the housing to move over a tortuous path of travel thereby attenuating the sound in the air flow path. The interior surfaces of the housing are covered with an open cell foam material which further absorbs the sound in the air flow path.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner allows storing cold thermal energy in a cold thermal energy storage unit during operation of a vehicle engine to be used later during an eco-run mode of a hybrid vehicle. Vehicle cabin air is cooled by the cold thermal energy quantity of a cold thermal energy storage unit when the vehicle engine is stopped and cold air continues to be requested by passengers. During engine operation, the cold thermal energy storage time, which is the time it takes for the temperature of the cold thermal energy storage unit to reach the solidifying point of the cold thermal energy storage material or lower, is measured. The stored cold thermal energy quantity of the cold thermal energy storage material during the operation of the vehicle engine is calculated based on information including the cold thermal energy storage time and cold air volumes.

Abstract: A room air conditioner is provided having an evaporator coil located in a front part of the room air conditioner, a condenser coil located in a back part of the room air conditioner, and a wall separating the front part from the back part. The wall prevents a free flow of air between the front part and the back part. A portion of the wall, extending less than a full width of the air conditioner, is formed of metal. An air moving device positioned in the front part creates an air stream flowing through the evaporator coil and out through an air outlet in a front grill of the air conditioner. An air housing surrounds at least a portion of the air moving device and forms an air flow path in the air conditioner, the air housing forming at least a part of the wall. The metal portion of the wall is mounted to the room air conditioner independently of the air housing.

Abstract: An accumulator for use in a heat pump system accommodates the flow of refrigerant in first and second directions as the system heats and cools, respectively. The accumulator includes a body and a cap. The body includes an inlet for receiving refrigerant from a compressor and an outlet for sending refrigerant to the compressor. A first port communicates with a front end heat exchanger for receiving refrigerant from this heat exchanger when heating and for sending refrigerant to this heat exchanger when cooling. A second port communicates with a passenger compartment heat exchanger for sending refrigerant to this heat exchanger when heating and for receiving refrigerant from this heat exchanger when cooling. A reversing valve, disposed in the cap, moves between a first position when heating and a second position when cooling such that the accumulator can accommodate the flow of refrigerant in the either direction.

Abstract: An inflatable container comprises a support wall defining a storage cavity. The support wall includes a flexible material forming at least one air chamber that when full of air or other gas forms a structure for holding ice and other material received within the storage cavity of the support wall. A drainage compartment communicates with a generally lower portion of and is disposed external to the storage cavity defined by the support wall for drawing melted ice away from the storage cavity and into the drainage compartment.

Abstract: A filter system for an absorption chiller includes a replaceable filter element, a plateable member, and a sacrificial member. The filter receives a weak solution from the chiller's evaporator, receives a stronger solution from the chiller's absorber, and discharges a mixture of the solutions to the chiller's generator. Conveying the weak solution to the filter system avoids creating an accumulation of lithium bromide in the evaporator and helps dissolve or flush inhibitors from the filter element on a continuous basis. Combining the weak and stronger solutions in the filter system attempts to confine a corrosion or copper oxide plating process to an area of the chiller that can be readily serviced. The plateable member and the sacrificial member provide replaceable or consumable members used in the corrosion or plating process.

Abstract: A falling evaporator has a two-phase refrigerant flow distribution system with improved circulation features in both the header and subheader of the system. Both the header and the subheader have vertically disposed, parallel pass conduits interconnected by way of a return bend, with the downstream end of the second pass conduits then fluidly interconnected with the upstream end of the first pass conduits to complete the circuit. A nozzle at the upstream end of the first pass conduits provides a relatively high velocity jet stream of refrigerant flow that propels the flow of refrigerant around the circuit so as to prevent stratification. The header has a plurality of outlets formed in its wall to accommodate the flow of two-phase refrigerant to the various subheaders, and each subheader has openings formed in a lower wall of its first pass conduit such that refrigerant can flow from the openings, to the outer upper surface of the second pass conduits and eventually to the heat transfer tubes below.

Abstract: A method for forming a fused silica glass includes delivering a silica precursor to a burner and passing the silica precursor through the flame of the burner to form silica particles, depositing the silica particles on a planar surface to form a flat, porous preform, dehydrating the porous preform, and consolidating the porous preform into a flat, dense glass.

Abstract: High-strength sinterable lithium disilicate glass ceramics are described which can be further processed in particular by pressing in the viscous state to shaped dental products.

Abstract: A glass polarizer and a method of making the polarizer, the polarizer being produced from an R2O—Al2O3—B2O3—SiO2 glass containing limited amounts of ZrO2 and TiO2, and having a silver halide liquidus temperature and a rutile liquidus temperature, both temperatures being not over 995° C.

Abstract: A control for defining optimized data for setting the times for controlled events in a glass forming machine which is controlled by a programmable sequencer which defines the time of a machine cycle. The control includes a computerized model of a mathematical representation of a network constraint diagram of the unwrapped bottle forming process which takes more than two machine cycles to complete and a computer for analyzing the computerized model as a constrained optimization problem for determining, with the following data inputs: 1. the motion durations, 2. the submotion durations, 3, the machine cycle time, 4. the time in an unwrapped schedule for each event, and 5. the duration of each thermal forming process, whether an optimized process can be defined, and for identifying any active constraint that is restricting further improvement.

Abstract: An anti-theft equipment locking cover, including a first cover part adapted to overlie a first part of an item of equipment; the first cover part having a flange adapted to underlie a first edge of the item of equipment; a second cover part to overlie a second part of the item of equipment; the second cover part having a flange adapted to underlie a second edge of the item of equipment; the first and second cover parts being disposed in confronting relation to one another so that the item of equipment is fully covered by the confronting first and second cover parts; a tab secured to the first cover part; a slot formed in the second cover part that slideably receives the tab; a distal free end of the tab extending through the slot; an aperture formed in the distal free end of the tab; and a locking device adapted to extend through the aperture to prevent retraction of the tab from the slot.

Abstract: An anti-pilfer lock device is provided for protecting against unauthorized access to the flow control valve units projecting from the outer surface of a mobile ammonia nurse tank. A box-shaped housing is sized and configured to be removably mounted on the shell of the nurse tank in complemental conforming relationship thereto in a position shielding the flow control valve units to prevent theft of ammonia from the nurse tank. Lock structure is provided for releasably holding the housing in its valve protecting position on the nurse tank storage vessel. The lock structure includes a coupling bar connected to at least one of the control valve housings, and an extension strap secured to the bar extends upwardly therefrom through a slot in the top wall of the housing. A bolt cutter proof lock is removably connected to the upper end of the extension strap above the top surface of the housing.

Abstract: A lever latch, for releasably latching a door to a corresponding door frame, includes a housing having a handle pivotally mounted therein and rotatable between opened and closed positions. In the handle closed position, a bolt mounted to the handle engages the door frame, and in the handle opened position, the bolt is disengaged from the door frame. The housing includes a trigger pivotally mounted therein, and pivotable between a first position to retain the handle in the closed position and a second position to release the handle to the opened position. A pawl is rotatably mounted to a lock cylinder on the housing and rotatable between locked and unlocked positions to allow the trigger to pivot to the second position and to prevent the trigger from being pivoted to the second position, respectively.

Abstract: A removable core cylinder lock, comprising a casing, a lock core with a rotatable key plug in a cylindrical bore and a retainer adapted to releasably retain the lock core in an inserted position in the casing. The casing has two lugs extending radially inwards and being separated transversely from each other, whereas the lock core has two corresponding recesses on both sides of a central, rear portion, whereby the lock core can be fully inserted into the casing. The two lugs are provided with holes accommodating fasteners for fastening the casing to an object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring crimping of metal end fittings onto electrically insulating core rods. The force and/or pressure applied to the metal end fittings by crimping jaws are monitored during crimping. The distance travelled by the crimping jaws is also measured during crimping. A change is detected in the relationship between the force and/or pressure and the distance travelled by the crimping jaws, such as by detecting a non-increasing force and/or pressure with an increasing distance. The methods and apparatus of the present invention may provide for detection and/or prediction of cracks in the electrically insulating core rods to improve the crimping process.

Abstract: An automatic machine for peening the tenons on bucket cover plates to secure the cover plates and adjacent buckets of a turbine wheel to one another is provided. The machine includes a fixture having stepped surfaces for locating the freely suspended fixture and peening tool relative to the bucket tips and cover plates and clamping the tips and cover plates to the fixture surfaces. After peening a first tenon, the fixture and tool head are displaced relative to the fixed cover plate and bucket tip to register the tool with a second tenon. An actuator displaces the suspended system to compensate for the movement of the fixture and tool relative to the turbine wheel. A counterbalance is provided to accommodate fixtures of different weights when peening the tenons of covers in different turbine wheels.

Abstract: Apparatus for roll grooving thin wall pipe comprises a housing supporting a drive roll and an arm pivotally mounted on the housing and supporting a grooving roll. A feed screw between the housing and arm provides for pivoting the arm to displace the grooving roll radially toward and away from the drive roll, and a release arrangement between the feed screw and arm is operable to release the arm from the screw to protect the screw from damage. The feed screw is mounted on the housing and arm by a double pivot arrangement. Self-tracking during a roll grooving operation is provided by dimensionally different knurling on axially opposite sides of the rolling groove of the drive roll and/or by inclining the axis of the grooving roll relative to the axis of the drive roll and/or by tapering the rolling surface on the rolling projection of the grooving roll and/or by supporting the axially outer end of the drive roll against deflection.

Abstract: A transmission mechanism used in a spring winding machine is constructed to include a rotary table, the rotary table having an eccentric main shaft protruded over first and second sides thereof. A wire feeding box having an intermediate gear, a transfer cylinder set formed of a wire-transfer cylinder and an impression cylinder adapted for transferring a spring wire for processing, a spur gear coaxially connected to the wire-transfer cylinder and meshed with the intermediate gear, a first bevel gear fixedly mounted on the other end of the main shaft, a second bevel gear coaxially connected to the intermediate gear, a wire feeding motor installed in the first side of the rotary table and adapted for rotating the driven gear and the main shaft, and a reversible wire winding motor adapted for rotating the rotary table clockwise/counter-clockwise through 180° through a transmission belt.

Abstract: Described is a method of manufacturing a crown-shaped component 3 having a plurality of axially extending protrusions 2 which are formed at an end of a cylindrical portion 1. The method comprises the steps of: upsetting the cylindrical portion into a cylindrical blank 10a having protrusions arrayed on and along the inner circumferential surface of a remaining part 12; annealing the cylindrical blank; removing the remaining part by cutting; and subjecting the resultant blank to a shot blasting process, whereby a magnetic characteristic of the resultant crown-shaped component is improved.

Abstract: The bending brake comprises an intermediate member (10) fixed to the upper toolplate of the brake, and at least one jaw (20) connected to the intermediate member (10) and rotatable about a horizontal axis (R) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the intermediate member (10); the lower portions (20′) of the jaw (20) and of the intermediate member (10) are arranged to clamp and alternately release the tool shank (8). There are provided pressing members (30), carried by the intermediate member (10) and connected thereto in such a manner as to be able to slide in a transverse direction, to thrustingly act on the upper portion (20″) of the jaw to cause it to rotate, and a thrust member (40) having its longitudinal axis (B) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the intermediate member (10).

Abstract: A portable gas detector comprises a casing proper 1 adapted to be attached to the human body. The casing proper 1 has multiple openings to accommodate gas sensors 5 on one side and charging terminals 38 and a communication window 14 on the other. Calibration of the gas sensors and securing of power supply are easy to achieve.

Abstract: The exhaust gas component measuring apparatus measures the components of the exhaust gas of a vehicle V while driving the vehicle V in a given driving mode. The apparatus includes driving mode setting means 14 for setting the driving mode of the vehicle V, environment setting means 7, 8 for automatically setting the environment of the vehicle V in accordance with the driving mode set by the driving mode setting means 14, a driving device 3 for automatically driving the vehicle V in such a manner that the vehicle V can be driven in the driving mode set, and measuring devices 11, 13, and 15 respectively for automatically measuring the components of the exhaust gas of the vehicle V as the vehicle V is automatically driven.

Abstract: A device for measuring a total concentration of impurities in a sample gas is provided which includes a housing having an inlet to allow the sample gas to enter the housing, an emitter to generate ions from the sample gas, a field gradient to accelerate the ions toward a collector, the collector adapted to measure total ions, and an outlet to allow the sample gas to exit the housing, whereby a change in total ions received by the collector indicates a change in the total concentration of impurities in the sample gas.

Abstract: A gas sensor including an element 4 for measuring the concentration of a gas to be detected which is contained in a gas under measurement; a protector 2 provided to cover a tip end of the element 4 in the axial direction; and a protection cap 1 removably attached to the gas sensor. The protection cap 1 includes a tubular portion 106 which surrounds a side surface 202 of the protector 2, support portions 102 which project from an inner surface 161 of the tubular portion 106 and reach the side surface 202 of the protector 2 without axially partitioning the space between the inner surface 161 of the tubular portion 106 and the side surface 202 of the protector 2, and an air-outlet hole 103 for establishing communication between the interior and exterior of the protection cap 1.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for determining the acidity of a washing solution for removing adhering acid or base from a fibre. The determination is carried out by using a combination of at least two different analytical methods, at least one of which is selected from the density, conductivity, ultrasonic sound, and refractive index measurements. The determination makes it possible to adjust the acidity of the washing solution in such a way that fibres with a minimum amount of adhering acid or base can be produced.

Abstract: Methods for improving vehicle steering performance and robustness through control of non-uniformities in the vehicle's tires, wheels and tire/wheel assemblies. While minimizing lateral force variations (e.g., couple imbalance), a controlled amount of radial and/or tangential force variation is induced in one or more tire/wheel assemblies by imparting mass non-uniformnity, dimensional non-uniformity, and/or stiffness non-uniformity. The tire non-uniformities are preferably distributed meridionally symmetrically about the equatorial plane of the tire, so as to induce tangential and/or radial force variations but not lateral force variations. Beneficial tangential and/or radial force variations will result from the operation of such a tire, even if the tire/wheel assembly is balanced by weights added to the wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus mounted on a valve for indicating tire pressure comprising a pressure indicator including a downward pipe having an inner thread, a hollow downward cylinder projected into the pipe, the cylinder having a bottom opening, a mainspring having one end coupled to the cylinder, the mainspring being capable of pivoting as air passes through the opening, and a pointer coupled to the other end of the mainspring. In a mounted state of pressure indicator and valve, the inner thread of the downward pipe is secured to the valve and the cylinder is urged against the valve to form an air path from the tire to the mainspring through the valve and the opening for the pivoting pointer.

Abstract: A filling level gage operating with microwaves, for measuring a filling level of a filling material (5) in a container (1), is provided which functions with a single antenna (7) constructed as simply as possible, and in which a minimum distance required for measurement between the filling material (5) and the antenna (7) is as small as possible, having a microwave generator (9), and an antenna (7) with planar antenna structure, which is used to transmit the microwaves in the direction of the filling material (5) and to receive microwaves reflected from a filling material surface, in which the planar antenna structure has at least two transmission and/or reception elements (11, 13, 33, 35, 37, S, E).

Abstract: A liquid level and weight sensor utilizes a pressure sensor of any type positioned at the base of the liquid or weight. A second pressure sensor is positioned external to the liquid or weight to measure the ambient pressure. Ambient pressure is subtracted from the total pressure indicated by the base positioned pressure sensor to determine the actual pressure exerted by the liquid or weight on the base positioned sensor. The actual pressure is then utilized in the calculation of liquid level or weight. The determination of liquid level requires that both the pressure and density of the liquid be known. When the density of the liquid is not known, a third pressure sensor is inserted in the tank at a known level above the first. The differential pressure and differential level are determinative of the liquid's density.

Abstract: A digital conversion adapter for magnetically coupled level meters includes a first rotatable magnet located adjacent a second rotatable magnet of a level meter. The first rotatable magnet is operable to rotate in response to rotation of the second rotatable magnet. The second rotatable magnet is operable to rotate in response to changes of a liquid surface level. An encoded disc is mechanically coupled with the first rotatable magnet and operable to rotate in response to rotation of the first rotatable magnet. A light sensor array operable to monitor a position of the encoded disc, with respect to the light sensor array, by reading transmitted light which passes through the encoded disc, is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for assessing the strength of a user is disclosed which includes pneumatic reservoir means adapted to be repeatedly vented by the user, and measuring means for measuring parameters indicative of strength, work, work rate and speed of muscle contraction of the user in evacuating the reservoir means.

Abstract: An inertial sensor includes an inertial reference for determining the attitude and position of a satellite or satellite parts. A test mass is situated in a space which is essentially free of electric and magnetic fields and is enclosed by a housing, and optical measuring sections are set up between reference elements on the housing and on the test mass, for determining the attitude and/or position of the test mass relative to the reference elements on the housing. A measuring arrangement is situated outside the housing for the optical measuring sections. The optical measuring sections are constructed as optical interferometric measuring elements; and the attitude and position of the test mass can be adjusted by means of the pressures of light exerted on the optical interferometric measuring sections upon the test mass.

Abstract: An invention to measure of objects of non-homogeneous ultrasonic impedance in the testing path is provided to detect the present of flaws in any part of the object. The invention utilized a reference signal to compare against the actual signal derived from ultrasonic testing of the object. Reference signals are determined based upon the known or calculated properties of the object's layers or previously obtained signals measured from the object.

Abstract: A damage evaluation method and apparatus of a metal material which is capable of determining whether a flaw in the metal sample is originated by the creep damage or in the manufacturing process, and also capable of estimating a remaining life of the metal component. The damage evaluation method of a metal material by the present invention is a method for evaluating a flaw in the metal sample comprising the steps of mounting onto a metal surface including an internal flaw and on both sides of the flaw a transmitting probe for transmitting an ultrasonic waves and a receiving probe for receiving the ultrasonic waves, transmitting the ultrasonic waves towards the internal flaw and receiving the diffracted wave from the flaw for determining whether or not a flaw is present in the metal, based on the analysis of the distribution of the diffracted waves and an analysis of the sample as to whether voids (creep voids) are present and, if present, the distribution of the voids.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is formed by sandwiching a pressure-sensitive dielectric membrane between and in contact with a pair of electrodes. As pressure is applied, the dielectric constant of the pressure-sensitive membrane changes while the distance of separation between the pair of electrodes remains constant. This change in the dielectric constant is detected by a circuit as a change in the electrostatic capacitance between the electrodes to measure the applied pressure. Since the pressure-sensitive dielectric membrane is not required to undergo any elastic deformation for measuring the pressure, the pressure sensor can be made extremely thin.