Abstract: A refrigerant charging/pressure testing hose assembly meeting SAE standard J2196 is useable to both (1) check the pressure in a refrigerant circuit and, (2) if necessary, add refrigerant to the circuit. The assembly includes a length of refrigerant charging, hose having a quick disconnect coupler disposed at one end and connectable to a service fitting portion of the circuit, a piercing-type shutoff valve disposed at the other hose end and connectable to a refrigerant charging canister, a pressure gauge installed in a longitudinally intermediate portion of the hose, and a check valve installed in the hose between the shutoff valve and the pressure gauge and permitting flow through the hose only toward the quick coupler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for reducing air borne allergens in evaporative air coolers. In another aspect the invention relates to a method for reducing the cost of operating evaporative air coolers.

Abstract: A detection device for detecting rotational abnormalities of an auger is formed within an ice making cylinder. The rotational abnormality detection device has a detecting portion made from a substrate mounted with two hall ICs, and a detection object portion made from a magnet. The detection object portion is embedded in a main body portion of the auger. Further, the detecting portion is formed so as to protrude from an inner surface of the ice making cylinder, and is placed such that the magnetic force from the detection object portion can be detected.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of defrosting an evaporator coil of a transport temperature control unit. The transport temperature control unit may be operable to circulate refrigerant through the evaporator coil for cooling a conditioned space within a transportable vehicle and may be operable to maintain an air temperature of the conditioned space within a range of a desired temperature. The method may include sensing the air temperature of the conditioned space, enabling a warm load defrost when the air temperature of the conditioned space is greater than the desired temperature, initiating a first defrost cycle for removing condensate from the evaporator coil and terminating the first defrost cycle. The first defrost cycle has a defrost duration time. The method may also include establishing a defrost interval time dependent on the defrost duration time and initiating a second defrost cycle after the defrost interval time expires.

Abstract: A casing defines therein an air intake opening, an evaporator chamber, a full-passage, a bypass-passage and an air-mix chamber. A housing having a downwardly curved upper wall is incorporated with the casing to cover the air-mix chamber. An air blow is provided which forces air to enter the evaporator chamber from the air intake opening. An air-mix door is movably installed in the casing to selectively open and close the full-passage and the bypass-passage. An evaporator is installed in the evaporator chamber, and a heater core is installed in the full-passage. The downwardly curved upper wall is formed with first, second and third openings which are communicated with given portions of a passenger room of the vehicle respectively. A slide door assembly is mounted below the downwardly curved upper wall. The slide door assembly includes two slide doors which are arranged to vary the open area of the first, second and third openings in cooperation with each other.

Abstract: A two-stage cascade refrigerating system including a primary side refrigerant circuit, and at least one secondary side refrigerant circuit. The receiver of the primary refrigerant circuit is arranged such that a first pipe is introduced to the inside of the container such that an open of the first pipe is located at an inside upper portion of the container, and a second pipe is introduced to the inside of a container such that an open end of the second pipe is located at an inside lower portion of the container. The receiver of the secondary side refrigerant circuit(s) is reversible in refrigerant circulation and is arranged such that a first pipe and a second pipe are introduced to the inside of the container such that open ends of both pipes are located at an inside lower position of the container.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides a chilled beverage dispense system including a beverage recirculation loop and a glycol recirculation loop, a first chiller to cool the beverage and a second chiller to cool the glycol, a heat exchanger through which the cooled beverage and the cooled glycol are passed to further cool the beverage and a dispense valve located in the beverage recirculation loop downstream of the heat exchanger. The glycol recirculation loop including a bypass valve upstream of the heat exchanger, whereby in a standby, non-dispense mode the glycol bypasses the heat exchanger and when a beverage dispense is required, the glycol is diverted through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A shipping apparatus includes a container with a closeable top for carrying pharmaceuticals and a cooling means for keeping the pharmaceuticals temperature protected. The apparatus further includes a retention means within the container for positioning and securing the pharmaceuticals and cooling means, and a gripping means for transporting the container. A method of using a shipping apparatus includes the steps of assembling a container with a closeable top for carrying pharmaceuticals, activating, and inserting a cooling means into a retention means of the container for keeping said pharmaceuticals temperature protected. The steps further include inserting the pharmaceuticals into the retention means within the container for positioning and securing the pharmaceuticals, closing the top of the container and engaging a gripping means for transporting the container.

Abstract: A method of forming a methane product by rejecting nitrogen from a feed gas stream comprising methane and nitrogen is disclosed. After being cooled in a main heat exchanger, the feed gas stream is rectified in a double rectification column comprising a higher pressure column and a lower pressure column. A gas flow is recycled from the lower pressure column to the higher pressure column. Part of the recycle flow is compressed in a compressor, cooled, liquefied in a condenser-reboiler and introduced into the higher pressure column. Another part of the recycle flow is also compressed in the compressor, cooled, liquefied in the main heat exchanger or by expansion, and introduced into the double rectification column in liquid state. At least part of the cooling of both parts of the recycle gas is performed in the main heat exchanger. A liquid methane product is withdrawn from the lower pressure column.

Abstract: In a process for producing an air-quench-toughened glass plate, defective glass plates containing nickel sulfide (NiS) are removed by compulsory breaking the glass plates. Such compulsory breakage is carried out in the course of a batch-manner soaking process carried out after a toughening step; in the course of a toughening step carried out after generation of cracks in an annealing step; in the course of a toughening step carried out after generation of cracks in a pretreatment step; or in the course of a continuous annealing step carried out after a toughening step. Through the method, NiS-free toughened glass plates of high quality can be produced.

Abstract: In a double-cylinder circular stocking knitting machine, an actuation element, composed of a slider and a sub-slider, is arranged, at least in the lower needle cylinder, below each needle, inside the same axial slot of the curved surface of the lower needle cylinder. The sub-slider has an actuation element provided with two heels which oscillates to assume a first, a second, or a third position, in which the heels assume different positions. A cam box is arranged around the curved surface of the needle cylinders and comprises a plurality of cams, which define paths for actuation of the sub-slider and of the overlying slider.

Abstract: A flat knitting machine comprising a transfer jack bed (9) holding transfer jacks (7) in such a manner as to freely advance and retract, wherein when a loop is transferred from the transfer jack (7) to the needle (19), the loop retaining portion (53) of the transfer jack (7) put in its advanced position is moved down to its lowered position, first; then, a back side (39b) of a needle hook of the needle (19) is made to go into the loop (111) retained on the loop retaining portion (53) of the transfer jack (7); then the loop retaining portion (53) is raised up to its raised position; and thereafter, a front side (39a) of the needle hook of the needle is made to go into the loop, whereby the transfer of loop can be ensured with a reduced burden on the loop in the transfer of loop through the use of a common track for the needles of the front bed (13a) and for the needles of the back bed (13b).

Abstract: New stitches on knitting machines are formed by producing two stitches from one stitch suspended on a knitting needle, in that the stitch suspended on the knitting needle is transferred by a transfer element associated with the knitting needle and subsequently a new stitch loop is pulled from the knitting needle through the stitch suspended on the transfer element.

Abstract: The invention describes a compound needle having a needle part (3) and a slide part (4) for knitting, warp knitting or hosiery machines. The needle part (3) has a needle shaft (3a) and a needle hook (3b), the needle shaft (3a) being provided with a slot-shaped recess (3f) and a guide channel. The slide part has a slide shaft (4a), which is insertable into the guide channel and is movable to and fro in the latter, and a slide hook (4b) which is open in the opposite direction to the needle hook (3b), said slide hook being insertable into the recess (3f) in order to take over a stitch (9) located on the needle shaft (3a).

Abstract: A cable lock comprising a housing, a cable anchored to the housing, and a cable passageway through the housing for receiving the free end of the cable includes a cable clamping member and a key operated cam assembly which the lock is selectively operable for introducing the free end of the cable into either of the opposite ends of the cable passageway, for enabling displacement of the free end only in the direction of introduction through the passageway, for precluding displacement of the cable in either of the opposite directions in the passageway, and for releasing the cable for movement freely in both of the opposite directions. The mounted end of the cable is pivotally displaceable between positions in which the mounting end extends toward the side of the housing on which the selected entrance end of the passageway is located.

Abstract: There is a lock release apparatus for providing delayed passage past a movable barrier such as an exit door which is held to a closed position by a lock. The apparatus includes a beam transmitter, a beam receiver, a timer for releasing the lock after a predetermined delay, a trigger associated with the timer and a beam reflector affixed to an operating bar on the movable barrier. In use of the apparatus when the barrier is closed and locked the transmitter directs a beam onto the reflector at an orientation such that reflection is detected by the beam receiver when the operating bar is undisturbed. Subsequent movement of the operating bar to open the barrier terminates or shifts the reflection away from the receiver to trigger the timer to release the lock after the predetermined delay.

Abstract: A car wheel anti-theft device having a lug nut and a sleeve installed onto the bolt of the car wheel and an individual wrench to install and remove the lug nut from the bolt. The lug nut and the sleeve each include an engaging flange. When the lug nut is secured within the sleeve, the engaging flange of the sleeve engages the engaging flange of the lug nut, thereby preventing the bolt from being removed and the wheel from being moved. The lug nut has a front surface having a key projection of a particular shape. The individual wrench includes a cylindrical cavity having a bottom surface. The bottom surface has a key opening extending from the bottom surface towards the depth of the individual wrench. The key opening preferably has a shape complementing the particular shape of the key projection of the lug nut.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an electronic touch key for electronic lock sets, and more particularly to an electronic key for use with a lock set. In an electronic key according to the invention, a cylinder plug associated with the lock set includes a fixed data contact pin, which is preferably flush with the face of a cylinder plug, to prevent tampering. The electronic key thus is designed to properly contact the fixed data contact associated with the lock set for proper operation. The present invention provides a construction which facilitates making the contact, and yet provides a durable and simple construction for the electronic key.

Abstract: An endless metallic belt has at its outer peripheral surface a layer provided with a compressive residual stress by shot peening, and also has at its inner peripheral surface a layer provided with a compressive residual stress by shot peening. In a method for manufacturing the endless metallic belt, both outer and inner peripheral surfaces of the endless metallic belt are subjected to shot peening, wherein the inner peripheral surface is shot peened prior to the outer peripheral surface. The method produces an endless metallic belt having its fatigue strength improved without suffering any significant deformation.

Abstract: A forming or re-rounding machine has opposed inner and outer hydraulic ram sets each carried in a housing with rollers. The ram set housings are movably mounted onto an I-beam frame connected by hydraulic cylinders. The frame supports a can or shell for rotation of the surface to position a region for forming or reforming between the hydraulic ram sets. Each ram set has a hydraulic cylinder for advancing a re-forming tool on either the inside or outside of the can or shell to reform the selected region. The I-beam hydraulic cylinders are allowed to compress when the can or shell is positioned for forming or reforming and help prevent flexing of the can or shell outside the selected region.

Abstract: A tube bender comprising a mandrel, a forming member connected to the mandrel for coaction with the mandrel to effectuate at least 180 degree bending of a tube wherein the forming member has at least two bending positions defined thereon, a handle pivotally connected to the forming member, a release member movable relative to the handle wherein the release member is associated with the handle, and engagement means for securing the release member in a locked position relative to the forming member when the handle is selectively moved to any of one the at least two bending positions thereby preventing relative movement between the handle and the forming member. The release member enables an operator to move the release member to an unlocked position to permit such operator to move the handle relative to the forming member between the at least two bending positions.

Abstract: A tool for reorienting a flange is disclosed. The tool reorients the flange from a first angle of orientation to a second angle of orientation and comprises a support member that further comprises a guide member; and a shoe maintained in a desired orientation by the support member. The shoe defines a reorienting surface, and the reorienting surface further comprising: a leading reorienting surface for progressively reorienting the flange to an intermediate angle of orientation between the first and second angles of orientation, and a trailing reorienting surface, the trailing reorienting surface being located proximate the guide member to define a reorienting gap therebetween, said reorienting gap adapted to permit passage of the flange therethrough, said flange being reoriented to the second angle as it exits the reorienting gap.

Abstract: A test apparatus includes a torque sensor that outputs an indication of torque when rotated by a tool to be tested, and an angle potentiometer that outputs an indication of the rotation angle. A rotatable arm is connected to the torque sensor. A stop prevents the arm from rotating past a rest position. At least one of the group consisting of the arm and the stop includes a magnet. The magnet causes a magnetic force that attracts the arm toward the rest position when the arm is at or near the rest position, simulating static friction. At least one elastic member, which may be a spring, urges the arm toward the rest position.

Abstract: A method for selecting a cover material for use with a vehicle seat component includes establishing a material processability standard for cover materials selected from the group consisting of standards for marking resistance, fabric pattern, pile bind, rippling resistance, laminate wrinkle resistance, raveling resistance, seam puckering, stretch, and elongation; conducting testing of a cover material for compliance with the material processability standard to determine whether the cover material meets requirements of the material processability standard; and considering test results of the cover material before proceeding to utilize the cover material in manufacturing of the vehicle seat component.

Abstract: An impact test stand for vehicle components, such as interior parts, operating parts and components of an occupant restraint system includes a stationary frame and an impact body. The impact body is mounted on a carriage. The carriage is guided by a guide track and driven by a linear drive. By accelerating the carriage, the impact body is driven against the component to be tested.

Abstract: A high strain rate tester for elastomeric materials used in sports balls includes a base on which a sample of the material is mounted and a striker which delivers an impact to the sample, preferably in the vertical direction. A load cell adjacent to the sample measures the reaction force of the impact from the sample and an optical detector measures the displacement of the sample in the vertical direction. The force and displacement measurements are processed to determine the time dependent strain of the material.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing water from a dielectric oil which includes a vacuum pump (56) which militates against the introduction of air into the dielectric oil and a thin film capacitance sensor (48) for monitoring the amount of moisture present in the dielectric oil.

Abstract: A sensor probe and method of use for determining the temperature, velocity, and/or liquid volumetric fraction of gas laden with droplets. In one variation, the probe includes a single heating element used in a well-characterized flow. The heating element is maintained above the Leidenfrost transition for the droplets, which prevents cooling effects from the droplets from impacting the temperature measurement. In another variation, the probe includes two or more heating elements arranged in similar flow environments. The property of interest is derived by relying on thermodynamic and heat transfer principles, which are not usable in conjunction with conventional devices.

Abstract: A method of continually measuring the cetane number of a diesel fuel, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a diesel engine having means for selectively supplying at least three diesel fuels to the engine, a first actuator for varying the injection timing of the engine, a second actuator for varying the fuel flow of the engine, and a third actuator for varying the compression ratio of the engine; (b) providing a first supply of a diesel fuel of known cetane number, a second supply of a diesel fuel of different known cetane number and a third supply of a diesel fuel of unknown cetane number to be measured, the third supply being connected to a diesel fuel blending system; (c) in a first cycle selectively and alternately supplying the first, second and third supplies to the diesel engine, and for each supply, controlling the first actuator to achieve an injection timing of a predetermined angle before top dead centre, controlling the second actuator to achieve a predetermined fuel flow and contro

Abstract: A fixture for testing a sealed container for possible leakage, having a removable cover and a silicon gel gasket affixed to the undersurface of the cover, and having a lower housing with a cavity for receiving the sealed container, the container top surface being isolated from the rest of the container surfaces by the silicon gel gasket.

Abstract: A test piece made of a material equal to the material of the workpiece is formed in a size that permits the test piece to be housed in an adsorption tube container mounted to a mass analyzing apparatus of a gas chromatograph. The test piece is left to stand for a predetermined time in a measuring site of the atmosphere within a cleansing chamber and, then, recovered. The recovered test piece is introduced into a mass analyzing apparatus of a gas chromatograph (GC-MS apparatus) for measurement of the material of the contaminant and the mass of the contaminant, thereby evaluating the degree of contamination of the measured point.

Abstract: Internal combustion diagnostic sensing devices, systems in which they are used, and methods for their use. The devices operate by detecting pulses created by the exhaust stream of internal combustion engines using a new and novel sensing device. The systems are comprised of a combination of the sensing devices and internal combustion diagnostic equipment. The devices and systems can be used for diagnostic operations on any internal combustion engine while the engine is operating.

Abstract: A method of foreseeing and controlling wearing in the tread of a tire based on the use of cuts of a limited depth (in the order of tenth parts of one millimeter) formed on the external surface of the tread, in the thickness of the elastomeric material. The cut is preferably made by a laser beam. Rotation of the tire on a road or on any other friction surface enables both the uneven wearing of the tread, highlighted by localized spots devoid of cuts, to be quickly verified by inspecting the maintenance state of said cuts, and the wear rate of the tread, which can be drawn from calculation of the time elapsing between the disappearance of two groups of cuts of different depth.

Abstract: A tire air pressure detecting apparatus has an tire air pressure detecting mechanism for detecting the air pressure of a tire of a motorcycle, and a second control mechanism for comparing an actual air pressure detected by the tire air pressure detecting mechanism with a stored air pressure threshold, and controlling an engine output when the actual air pressure becomes lower than said air pressure threshold. Since the air pressure detecting apparatus comprises a small number of constituent elements including the tire air pressure detecting mechanism and the second control mechanism for reducing an engine output under certain conditions, the tire air pressure detecting apparatus can easily be reduced in size and cost.

Abstract: Signal transmission apparatus for use, for example, in a passive sensor system such as an in-vehicle tyre pressure sensing system, comprises transmitter circuitry and receiver circuitry coupled together by a coupling, preferably a wireless coupling such as two opposed plate-form antennae. The transmitter circuitry includes a resonator having at least one component whose value influences a natural resonant frequency of the resonator and can be changed in use of the circuitry. The effective value is changed, for example, by a physical parameter being sensed or by a control signal to be transmitted. The receiver circuitry includes a driver section for applying to the resonator an excitation signal having a predetermined excitation frequency that is different from the natural resonant frequency. The transmitter circuitry preferably derives its power supply from the excitation signal via a rectifier circuit. The receiver circuitry detects such a change in the effective value via the coupling.

Abstract: The invention features a modified catch tube component capable of performing the function of the conventional catch tube and the conventional MEM simultaneously. The catch tube will also feature a capability to accept modular units of mass for adjusting the available angular momentum (of the spinning catch tube) as well as to incrementally adjust inertial resistance for controlling post-impact translational motion. The safety and performance enhancements of the modified spinner are achieved by the above mentioned integration of the MEM with the catch tube. This invention will eliminate MEM free flight and prevent excessively soft, or excessively hard projectile impacts. Equipment such as rails and wheel sets are used to assure that the motion of the catch tube is constrained to translation and to rotation. The invention contrasts conventional spinners in that the motion of a conventional catch tube is limited to rotation only and the MEM to translation and rotation.

Abstract: A multi-function probe system that provides redundancy for measurements and compensates for effects of sideslip of an aircraft includes at least two probes that are symmetrically located on the opposite sides of the aircraft, and a third probe mounted on the centerline of the aircraft positioned to directly measure local sideslip with ports that are positioned on opposite sides of the center plane of the aircraft. Each of the probes includes self contained instrumentation for providing signals indicating various pressures. The local angle of sideslip sensed by the third probe is used as a compensation for pressure readings at either of the other probes for determining actual angle of attack, and static pressure.

Abstract: A rain gauge includes a cylindrical rain holder having a float in the rain holder and a rainfall value indicator arranged so that as the float moves vertically in the rain holder a pointer moves circumferentially to indicate the amount of rainfall. A cover for the rain holder includes an opening that is less in area than the area of the surface of water in the rain holder, whereby the water level in the rain holder raises less than but in proportion to the rainfall. The pointer is on the float and the float is mounted to a vertical screw so as to rotate as it floats vertically, whereby the pointer points to lettering on the rain holder wall indicating the amount of rainfall. The pitch per inch of the screw is proportional to the ratio of the area of the surface of water in the rain holder to the area of the opening.

Abstract: A system that performs content analysis on comestible products using volumetric determination with a single-chamber technique in a mass production environment. The content value determination system includes a conveyor system, a system for weighing the comestible products interposed along the path of the conveyor, a volumetric determination station that consists of a plurality of receiving chambers, and a control module. In this embodiment, each receiving chamber is equipped with a pressure sensor and a mechanical system for modifying the volume of the chamber. In addition, both the pressure sensors and the volume modification system of each receiving chamber are operably connected to the control module.

Abstract: A wheel balancer and method of mounting a wheel/tire assembly on a wheel balancer are provided. The wheel balancer includes a shaft adapted for receiving a wheel/tire assembly, the shaft having a longitudinal axis and being rotatable about the axis so as to rotate a wheel/tire assembly removably mounted thereon, a rotation sensor for measuring rotation of the shaft about its axis, a vibration sensor operatively connected to the shaft for measuring vibrations from imbalance in the wheel/tire assembly and a motor operatively connected to the shaft for rotating the shaft about its longitudinal axis, thereby rotating the wheel/tire assembly. A control circuit and manual input are also included. The control circuit controls the application of power to the motor.

Abstract: A two-dimensional ultrasonic probe has a transmitting function of an ultrasonic signal without electric interconnection of a numerous number of microcomponents and without increase in crosstalk and electric impedance. This probe includes an optical fiber array having a plurality of optical fibers to which light generated from a light source is made incident, a plurality of ultrasonic detecting elements, formed at one ends of the respective optical fibers, for modulating incident light via the optical fibers on the basis of the ultrasonic signal to be applied, and an ultrasonic transmitting element using a piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A pressure sensor comprises a sensor diaphragm which on one of its surfaces can be acted upon by the fluid pressure to be defected. The sensor diaphragm is rigidly supported at its opposite surface. It is made of an elastomeric material of an electrically non-conducting material wherein fine particles of electrically conducting material are homogenously embedded and distributed in such a density that a compression of the sensor diaphragm caused by the fluid pressure results in a measurable change in its electrical resistivity.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter with a hermetically sealed housing surrounding a cavity that is filled with a gas that is free of integrated circuit contaminants. A sensor circuit including an integrated circuit is placed in the cavity and a gas fill port on the housing is sealed. The sensor circuit is electrically adjustable from outside the pressure transmitter and the integrated circuit is protected from contaminated atmospheres outside the pressure transmitter.

Abstract: A method for estimating the real and imaginary Young's modulus, shear modulus and Poisson's ratio of a specimen at an excitation frequency. The specimen is first joined to a reciprocating test apparatus at one end with a mass positioned at the other end. The test apparatus reciprocates at the excitation frequency and accelerations are recorded at each end of the specimen. The Young's modulus is calculated from the recorded accelerations. The specimen is then joined to a reciprocating rotational test apparatus at one end with a rotational inertial mass positioned at the other end. Accelerations are recorded upon subjecting the specimen to rotational reciprocations at the excitation frequency. The shear modulus is calculated from these accelerations. Poisson's ration can be calculated from the Young's modulus and the shear modulus at the excitation frequency. All of the calculations may be performed giving both real and imaginary values.

Abstract: The preferred orientation, or planar oscillation plane, of a golf club shaft is located by measuring the oscillation of the shaft when a horizontal impulse is applied and from those measurements determining an orientation in which the oscillation would be substantially planar. In a preferred embodiment an iterative process is used to converge on the preferred orientation. The location of the preferred orientation may be marked on the shaft and used to assemble a golf club with the planar oscillation plane in a predetermined orientation. The assembly of the golf club can be done manually—e.g., in a refitting situation—or automatically—e.g., in a new club manufacturing setting.

Abstract: A low profile transducer (11, 12) is provided for use in flow meter for pipes of small diameter. The transducer (11, 12) has a transducer (18) or other form of transducer which transmits and receives electrical signals of three volts and 1 MHz and converts between these electrical signals and acoustic waves. In one embodiment, the transducer (18) produces surface acoustic waves (SAW), while in another embodiment the transducer (32) produces plate waves known as Lamb waves. These waves are converted to bulk acoustic waves (BAW) transmitted between the pair of transducers (11, 12).

Abstract: A flow meter and method for determining the corrected flow rate of a liquid falling into a predetermined class of liquids based on its viscosity and density is disclosed. The flow meter comprises a flow sensor for measuring an uncorrected flow rate of the liquid, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the liquid, and a microprocessor for calculating the corrected flow rate based on the liquids predetermined class and the measured temperature. The flow sensor can include a restriction in the fluid flow path, first and second pressure sensors positioned one on each side of the restriction and a temperature sensor. The first and second pressure sensors measure the drop in fluid pressure created by the restriction and the temperature sensor measures the temperature of the liquid. By basing the corrected flow rate calculation on the predetermined class of the liquid, the calculation becomes a closed form solution that is deterministic providing for quick and accurate corrected flow rate calculation.

Abstract: A load sensor is formed of first and second opposing electrode members. The members make contact to mutually conduct electrically when a load is applied to the load sensor. The first electrode member consists of an elastic tube having at least a part of the circumferential segment formed into a conductive portion. The second electrode member consists of a flexible center electrode with conductivity on at least the outer circumferential portion positioned inside the elastic tube of the first electrode member so that the conducting surfaces face each other. An insulating linear member is wound around the center electrode at a predetermined winding distance.

Abstract: Discloses a system for the analysis and measurement of selected gases such as combustible gases contained in a gaseous sample to be analyzed including a mixing manifold arrangement to mix the sample gas with a diluting gas to provide a constant gas output flow rate to a detector system. The mixing manifold arrangement automatically reconfigures itself to provide an optimal concentration ratio of sample and diluting mixed gas to the detector system. A constant sample gas input rate is preferred. Excess sample gas not required to maintain a constant mixed sample output rate is discharged.

Abstract: A method of retrieving a liquid sample comprises providing a portable lysimeter including a semi-permeable membrane and a chamber in fluid communication with the semi-permeable membrane; making a hole at a site from which a liquid sample is desired; evacuating the chamber by applying a vacuum to the chamber; lowering the portable lysimeter into the hole; obtaining a sample in the chamber; and retrieving the lysimeter from the bore; wherein it is not necessary to backfill the bore. A portable lysimeter includes a semi-permeable member and a chamber in fluid communication with the semi-permeable membrane.