Abstract: A drum washing machine with a washing water circulation unit adapted to completely dissolve detergent supplied together with washing water and to enhance washing efficiency. During a washing operation, the washing water contained in a fixed drum is raised or drawn to a center portion of a rear panel of a rotatable drum by turning force of the rotatable drum and then sprayed into the rotatable drum through a nozzle. The circulated washing water accelerates the dissolution of the detergent, and the sprayed washing water directly impinges on laundry, thereby shortening the amount of time required to wet the laundry with the washing water. Therefore, the washing efficiency of the drum washing machine can be remarkably enhanced using only a small quantity of the washing water.

Abstract: A seal with anti-theft device for items having rod-like portions, particularly for eyeglasses. The seal comprises a hollow body which contains an electronic signal-emitting component and forms a plane of arrangement for a rod-like portion. Two parallel and mutually opposite guides protrude from the body and each guide has at least one sawtooth engagement surface for the nonreversible sliding, in a direction which is perpendicular to the plane of arrangement, of a slider which has complementary sawtooth engagement surfaces. The rod-like portion is retained between the plane of arrangement and a parallel plane of arrangement formed by the slider.

Abstract: The invention is a lock for a gun that locks the trigger so it cannot be moved. The lock fits between the trigger and the trigger guard and keeps the trigger from moving. One of the unique features of the lock is that it can be locked both by a key and a padlock. The lock is comprised of two sections that in the preferred embodiment are made out of plastic which are attached together by a flexible strip of plastic and, thus, can be molded as a single piece. In approximately the middle of both sections is an opening. In this opening is placed the lock cylinder with a pin. From the end of the lock cylinder extends a loop with a sufficient size opening that a shackle of a padlock can be placed through it. To use the lock, one places the two sections together between the trigger and the trigger guard and then inserts the key into the lock cylinder and turns it. Once the pin falls in the proper location, the lock is securely held together between the trigger and trigger guard such that the trigger cannot be moved.

Abstract: An interconnected lock assembly with a locking mechanism which can throw the deadbolt and lock the door in response to a remote control signal. The interconnected lock comprising a first lock assembly including an inside handle and an outside handle, and a second lock assembly interconnected to said first lock assembly. The second lock assembly comprises a deadbolt assembly operably connected to a deadbolt latch. The deadbolt latch comprises a deadbolt movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The interconnected lock further comprises a locking mechanism selectively engageable by a remote control signal to move the deadbolt to an extended position.

Abstract: A safety deposit box lock assembly has a housing and latch bolt carried by the housing. The latch bolt is movable between a locked and an unlocked position relative to the housing. A guard lock is provided as part of the lock assembly and is movable by a guard key between an unsecured orientation and a secured orientation. The guard lock permits movement of the latch bolt to the unlocked position when the guard lock is in the unsecured orientation. The guard lock prohibits movement of the latch bolt to the unlocked position when the guard lock is in the secured orientation. A patron lock is provided as part of the lock assembly and is movable by a patron key between a latched orientation and an unlatched orientation. The latch bolt is in the locked position when the patron lock is in the latched orientation. The latch bolt is in the unlocked position when the patron lock is in the unlatched orientation.

Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot arm. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.

Abstract: A dent repair tool has a motor tool having a body and a motor shaft capable of spinning, an elongated inner shaft connected at its proximal end to the motor tool positioned within an elongated outer shaft, and separated from the outer shaft by bushings; and a working head releasably connected to the distal end of the inner shaft. The working head may take any of several forms, including a circular disk having curved protrusions disposed regularly around the perimeter of the disk, an elliptical plate, a triangular plate having rounded vertices and concave sides, and a square plate having rounded corners and concave sides. A system for repairing a dent in sheet metal includes urging the spinning working head of the dent repair tool against a raised portion of dented sheet metal to reduce or eliminate a dent.

Abstract: A leveler for stretcher-leveling of a metal strip or sheet and including a frame, at least two roller leveling units supported in the frame and arranged, respectively, above and below a rolled stock, and a guide for displacing the roller leveling units between their operational position and their roller maintenance and exchange position thereof, with each of the roller leveling units including a roller magazine including at least one leveling roller and having a support unit for supporting the leveling roller and pivotally arranged on the run-in side or the run-out side of the roller magazine for pivotal movement between operational and maintenance and exchange positions.

Abstract: A hemming machine having a stationary base and defining a work station. A lifting beam is vertically movably mounted to the base at the work station while a motor assembly moves the lifting beam between a raised and a lowered position. Two die cartridges, each having hemming tooling and a nest vertically movably mounted to the die cartridge, are horizontally movable relative to the base by a conveyor assembly. A conveyor motor selectively moves the die cartridges between a position laterally spaced from the work station and the work station. With the die cartridge positioned at the work station, a first clamp releasably secures the nest to the lifting beam while a second clamp assembly releasably secures the die cartridge to the base. With the nest secured to the lifting beam and the die cartridge secured to the base, hemming operations are performed at the work station in the conventional fashion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hand operable pliers (1) including a pliers head (2) and a drive (3). The pliers head (2) includes a frame (4), a stationary jaw (7) and a movable jaw (8), and it is designed and arranged to be replaceable. The drive (3) includes two handles (21, 22) and a common joint (20) being designed and arranged to connect the handles (21, 22) to be pivotable about the common joint (20) and to allow for an opening movement and for a closing movement of the handles (21, 22). The common joint (20) forms a pressure bolt (23). The movable jaw (8) is designed and arranged to be detachably supported at the pressure bolt (23). The drive (3) further includes a plurality of connecting members (36) each being designed and arranged to be detachable, two pulling elements (30) being associated with the drive (3) and each having a first end (32) facing the pliers head (4) and a second end facing the handles (21, 22).

Abstract: A mechanical press includes an easy load tilt out loading position that improves operator visibility when loading parts onto operation specific tooling, and which also increases the speed of which such parts can be loaded (and unloaded), and finally reduces the chance of operator error. The mechanical press includes a frame having a press head, a base pivotable between a load position and a working position, and a tie rod coupling the press head and the base. The press head is configured to reciprocate along a first longitudinal axis, responsive to an operator input such as pulling or rotating a handle. The press head and the base each include features configured to allow respective attachment of a first tool and a second tool, and whose specific configuration depends on the operation being performed by the press (i.e., shaping, assembly requiring pressure, etc.) The press head, when in the first position, is operative via the tie rod to place the base in the load position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a sensor for determination of the concentration of a sterilant, e.g., hydrogen peroxide vapor, in a sterilization system. This invention provides a method for calibrating a sensor that is used for measuring the quantity of a sterilant in a system for delivering the sterilant, the method comprising the steps of: (a) generating reference calibration data, the reference calibration data showing a mathematical relationship between a measurable parameter, e.g. voltage, and a quantity of the sterilant, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for testing the abrasiveness of paper and other sheet materials. The device comprises a punching module, a feed module for moving the material, a holding module that holds the material while the punching module penetrated the material, and an instrument that records and analyzes the amount of force needed to punch through the material and then calculates the abrasive properties of the material. The punching module comprises a punching instrument for punching the material, a driving mechanism for operating the punching instrument, and a measurement system that measures the amount of the force required to punch the material. A method for using the device is also provided.

Abstract: The device consists of a rigid pendulum (1) pivoted at its upper end (2) and upon which a ball (5) is retained at its lower end in a holder (6), so that the center of the ball lies on or close to the longitudinal axis of the pendulum. The holder itself is attached to a shoe (3) which pivots about a point (4) on a projection offset from the bottom end of the pendulum, such that the shoe moves in an arc which lies in a vertical plane perpendicular to the vertical plane in which the pendulum swings. Movement of the shoe about this pivot allows the ball holder (6) and thus the ball (5) to move in an approximately radial direction with respect to the pendulum pivot (that is, along the axis of the pendulum when the ball center is on that axis) and the degree of movement of the shoe about its pivot is limited by stops (7a, 7b) provided on the pendulum. The complete pendulum device is supported in a tripod framework or alternative rigid support.

Abstract: A system for servicing a racing car or other car at a track, other race course, or similar destination employs an open platform for supporting the car by its tires in a horizontal position. The platform supports the car, and is itself supported by a crawler, in a carrier vehicle, for example a truck or trailer, when the carrier vehicle is transporting the car. The crawler and platform are also used to unload and load the car from and into the carrier vehicle. To unload the car at the destination, the crawler, with the platform and car on it, is driven out of the carrier vehicle and onto the ground. Next, the platform is elevated by extending its legs so that it rises off, is spaced from, and straddles the crawler. Then the crawler is driven out from under the platform. Then the platform is lowered to the ground, where it is used as a lift to elevate the car so that its undercarriage may be accessed. The platform may also be used to tune the chassis of the car.

Abstract: A planar manifold that integrates all the control pneumatics, electronic pressure controls (EPC), and injector inlet onto a single plate, therefore eliminating numerous seals, fittings and transfer tubing between these devices. The planar manifold utilizes plates of specific geometry that minimizes heat transfer between the heated components and the unheated components in the planar manifold, while maintains the mechanical rigidity to support the attached components during shock and vibration. The planar manifold not only improves the reliability and manufacturability of micro gas chromatographs, but also lowers the cost of production.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a heat treating atmosphere derive from at least one sensor placed in situ in the atmosphere a process variable, which is indicative of the ratio of gaseous hydrogen H2(g) to water vapor H2O(g) in the atmosphere. The systems and methods use the process variable, e.g., to control the atmosphere, or to record, or display the process variable.

Abstract: Operation of an internal combustion engine is terminated with the intake and exhaust valves maintained closed. A pressurized testing gas is then injected into the combustion chamber so that vacuum at different locations on the engine may be sampled to determine location of the highest gas leakage for identifying possible engine defects corresponding thereto.

Abstract: An acoustic measurement system detects solids within a fluid includes a sample cell 10 for containing the fluid, a first transducer 20 for outputting a first acoustic detection signal at a first frequency, a first acoustic receiver 20 responsive to the first acoustic detection signal, and a second acoustic transducer 20 for outputting an acoustic second mixing signal at a second frequency to mix the solids in the fluid within the sample cell. Controller 40 may vary the “on” time of the second transducer with respect to the measurement of the first acoustic signal. The fluid within the cell may be tested under a wide range of temperatures and pressures. The acoustic measurement system may also be used to measure the bulk modulus of the liquid. The method of the invention allows for the detection of crystallization for a portion of the fluid in the sample cell under widely varying conditions.

Abstract: A free fall sensor for detecting a falling state of portable electronic equipment such as notebook personal computers includes a movable electrode including a plurality of moving portions disposed on a circumference at regular intervals so as to be equidistant from a central axis, a fixed electrode disposed outside the movable electrode so as to be brought into contact with and separated from the movable electrode, an inertial member located inside the moving portions of the movable electrode, and a buffer preventing the inertial member from contacting the fixed electrode so that the moving portions serving as movable electrodes are held between the fixed electrode and the inertial member thereby to be prevented from being pressed or rolled. The central axis makes a right angle with a direction of gravity.

Abstract: A web is passed over a surface (11) which is at least partly curved in the running direction of the web, which extends across the web in the cross direction, and which is placed at a distance from the web, in which connection an air cushion is formed between the moving web and the curved surface. The temperature and moisture of the web are measured indirectly by measuring the temperature and moisture of the air cushion by several detectors (41) which are in communication with openings (40) formed in the curved surface in spaced relationship with one another in the cross direction of the web.

Abstract: An improved target and a technique for using it to measure registration relative to each other of more than two layers of a semiconductor wafer. At least first, second and third layers are formed to overlay each other. A first pattern is provided in a designated location of the first layer. A second pattern is provided in a designated location of the second layer, such second pattern having a given shape and a given size, and having at least one discontinuity formed therein at a predetermined location. A third pattern is provided in a designated location of the third layer, such third pattern having the given shape and the given size of the second pattern, and having at least one discontinuity formed therein at a predetermined location, wherein a portion of each one of the second and third patterns fits within the at least one discontinuity in the other when the second and third layers are in registration with each other.

Abstract: An improved metrology apparatus, such as a scanning probe microscope (SPM), has an actuator that controls motion in three orthogonal directions when it is selectively and electrically stimulated. The X-Y section of the actuator, preferably a piezoelectric actuator, controls motion in the X and Y-directions and the Z-section of the actuator controls motion in the Z-direction. A flexure is attached to the actuator and is mounted on a reference structure to prevent unwanted X and Y-motion by the Z-section of the actuator from moving a probe attached to the flexure. Preferably, two mirrors are mounted on the flexure. In operation of the SPM, a light beam is directed towards these mirrors. When the flexure moves in the Z-direction, one of the mirrors is deflected and causes the reflected light to move across a detector, generating a signal representative of a change in the Z-position of the flexure and the probe.

Abstract: A modified atomic force microscope (AFM) is used to perform contact resistance and/or current-dependent stiction measurements for conductive thin films at controlled values of applied force. The measurements are preferably performed under conditions approximating the operation of the thin films as electrodes in microswitch array fingerprint sensors. A first, planar thin film is contacted with a second, curved thin film deposited over a round ball having a diameter of a few microns to a few tens of microns. The second film is preferably a coating deposited over the ball and over the arm controlling the ball motion. The coating deposited over the arm provides an electrically conductive path to the contact surface of the ball.

Abstract: A method of determining the phase angle of an internal combustion engine camshaft relative to a crankshaft of the engine, which significantly reduces the computational burden compared to conventional methods. The cam and crankshaft position pulses are identified by corresponding clock values, and the cam phase angle relative to the crankshaft is determined by computing a simple ratio of first and second time intervals based on the clock values, and multiplying the ratio by a known angle. One of the time intervals is defined by a time difference between successive crankshaft and camshaft pulses, while the other time interval is defined by a time difference between successive crankshaft pulses. The known angle is the angle of crankshaft rotation between the successive crankshaft pulses. The cam phase angle velocity is obtained by determining a change in cam phase angle, and dividing by the intervening time interval.

Abstract: A device for testing a transaxle is constructed such that a drive motor is coupled with an input shaft of the transaxle through an input-shaft torque meter, and dynamometers are coupled with output shafts of the transaxle through axle shafts and output-shaft torque meters, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor as well as a measuring device with a sensor of this type for contactlessly detecting the change in position of a measuring point on or in a tire on the basis of a force acting on the tire of a wheel, in particular during driving, wherein the sensor is fixed in a stationary position in relation to the rim of the wheel. So as to be able to measure, in a simple manner, the transversal and longitudinal forces acting on the tire during driving, the sensor detects the change in position of the measuring point in the longitudinal or transverse direction (y,x) in relation to the running surface of the tire.

Abstract: A tire inflation pressure monitoring system (10) and a method for monitoring air pressure within a tire (14) are provided. The system (10) includes a tire based unit (18) for sensing air pressure within the tire (14) and for transmitting a pressure signal indicative thereof. The system (10) also includes a vehicle based unit (16) for receiving the pressure signal and for comparing the pressure signal to a predefined pressure range. The vehicle based unit (16) is operable in one of (i) a normal operating mode that outputs an alert signal in response to the air pressure within the tire (14) being outside of the predefined pressure range and (ii) a pressure gauge operating mode that outputs an in-range signal in response to the air pressure within the tire (14) being within the predetermined pressure range.

Abstract: An angle of attack sensor has a vane mounted on a rotating shaft that rotates in response to angle of attack. The shaft has a rotor at one end which is in a chamber in a housing supporting the shaft. The chamber includes a space around the rotor filled with either an electrorheological or magnetorheological fluid. A controller is used to provide an electrical signal, such as a signal controlling an electromagnet, to change the magnetic field affecting the fluid in response to various aircraft parameters to thereby control the viscosity of the electrorheological or magnetorheological fluid in the chamber and control the amount of damping of the rotating vane.

Abstract: A U-shaped bypass passage is provided in an intake pipe. A part of air flowing in the intake pipe is introduced into the bypass passage. The bypass passage is arranged substantially perpendicularly to a primary air flow direction in the intake pipe. A flow meter element is disposed in the bypass passage for measuring air flow amount. Turbulence reduction plates are integrally formed with the bypass passage at an upper side and a lower side of an air inlet thereof. The turbulence reduction plates are arranged substantially in parallel with the primary air flow direction in the intake pipe, and substantially perpendicularly to an air flow direction in the bypass passage. Even when a secondary air flow arises around the air inlet of the bypass passage, the turbulence reduction plates shut the secondary air flow, thereby reducing an influence of the secondary air flow.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive application probe is disclosed wherein the probe includes a preassembled sensor element mounted as an application housing installation as an installable unit. The modular nature allows interchanging with various electronic assemblies, and may be an explosion proof installation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an indicator system for fluid levels, including two or more optically and/or thermally conducting fibers, preferably suitable for indicating the fluid level of a lubricant in the case of piston internal combustion engines. In this case, the fibers are either provided at the end with a substance varying in optical properties under the action of heat, or contain chambers which are filled with an appropriate substance.

Abstract: An isometric exercise apparatus includes a platform and a strap/cable/pulley system. A load cell or strain gauge type sensor is positioned beneath the platform and is attached to and stressed by the strap/cable/pulley system when a user performs an isometric exercise function. An LED readout module is electrically connected to the cell and is programmed to display the stress on the cell as pounds or kilograms of lifted weight.

Abstract: A gravity measuring apparatus is provided comprising a gravitational force detector including a test mass and which produces measurements related to gravitational force exerted on the test mass, characterized in that the gravitational force detector is adapted for use downhole and includes a compensator to compensate for errors in measurements made whilst downhole. The compensator may comprise a guide rail along which the gravitational force detector is moveable over a calibrated distance. Where the test mass is biased toward an equilibrium position about which measurements are made.

Abstract: A crack detection method and system capable of detecting cracks on a scale of about 5 &mgr;m or greater, useful for detecting cracks in sol-gel tubes. An electromagnetic radiation signal is transmitted from a sensor to a body in which cracking may occur. The signal is reflected back to and received by the sensor. An output voltage from the sensor is measured which is proportional to a signal characteristic change between the transmitted and received signals. Signal characteristics such as frequency, phase, and amplitude may be monitored. The signal characteristic change may result from one or more mechanisms selected from the group consisting of microscopic motion of the body, media transition and fluid movement.

Abstract: An improved plunger for fluid dispensing cartridges used in automated dispensing systems. The plunger helps control the reflection of ultrasonic signals used to sense the position of the plunger as it moves within the cartridge tube. The plunger has a convex bottom, ink-facing surface and a top surface comprising one or more flat, horizontal surfaces. In the preferred embodiment, the horizontal surfaces are concentric steps.

Abstract: A pressure sensor configured to sense an applied pressure, comprising a diaphragm support structure, a diaphragm coupled to the diaphragm support structure and configured to deflect in response to applied pressure, a moveable member coupled to the diaphragm and configured to move in response to deflection of the diaphragm, and an optical interference element coupled to the moveable member and configured to interfere with incident light, wherein the interference is a function of position of the moveable member.

Abstract: A sensor operable at temperatures in excess of 400° C. is described. The sensor of the present invention operates without fluid fill, is non-porous, non-contaminating, and has no exterior exposed metallic components. The sensor includes a non-porous, impermeable sensing diaphragm that may be positioned in direct contact with fluids in an ultra-pure environment. The non-porous surface may be comprised of a layer of single crystal sapphire that is glassed to a backing plate. The sensor of the present invention is suitable for use in a chemically inert pressure transducer module for sensing pressures and/or temperatures in process fluids and may be molded directly into the high temperature plastic housing of the pressure transducer module.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure transducer including a heater shell, a capacitive pressure sensor, an electronics assembly and a thermal barrier is presented. The sensor and the electronics assembly are disposed in the heater shell. The thermal barrier is also disposed in the heater shell and is disposed between the sensor and electronics assembly.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a pressure-measurement device with a pressure sensor (1) for measuring the pressure of liquid or gaseous media and with a diaphragm seal (2) that subjects measuring diaphragm (11) of pressure sensor (1) to a pressure to be measured. Pressure sensor (1) has a connection part (12) made of a ceramic material which is connected to measuring diaphragm (11) on the diaphragm side via a joint (14) that is diffusion-tight towards the exterior, and is connected diffusion-tightly to diaphragm seal (2) on the diaphragm seal side. In this way, it is assured that no gases or water vapor can enter the pressure-transfer medium via pressure sensor (1). The operational mode of the pressure transducer remains functional over a long time, and particularly at high temperatures.

Abstract: In order to provide environmental protection, a leadless sensor of the type having a central boss is secured within a composite metal housing consisting of a top metal housing having a central boss which communicates with the central boss of the sensor. The top housing has a thin top portion surrounded by a peripheral portion, which peripheral portion is epoxied or otherwise secured to a bottom metallic housing having an internal hollow for accommodating the pressure sensor and the glass backing wafer, both of which are secured to a header which accommodates terminal pins associated with the active elements on the sensor device.

Abstract: A combination absolute and differential pressure sensing device including a plurality of absolute pressure transducers, each transducer including a plurality of half bridge piezoresistive structures and a device for selectively coupling at least one of the plurality of half bridge piezoresistive structures of a first one of the absolute pressure transducers to at least one resistor to form a half-active full bridge structure adapted to measure an absolute pressure and at least one other of the plurality of half bridge piezoresistive structures of the first one of the plurality of absolute pressure transducers to at least one of the half bridge piezoresistive structure of a second one of the plurality of absolute pressure transducers to form a full bridge structure adapted to measure a differential pressure.

Abstract: A pressure sensing device suitable for medical use including: a dielectrically isolated sensor chip including a first wafer having first and second surfaces, a deflectable diaphragm formed therein and defining an active area of the sensor chip surrounded by an inactive area of the sensor chip, an electronic circuit formed on the first surface in the active area and being adapted to provide a signal indicative of an amount of deflection of the diaphragm, and a non-conductive coating on at least a portion of the second side; and, a plastic header including first and second ends, a recess in the first end and a plurality of electrically conductive pins extending from the recess through the header and out the second end; wherein, the sensor chip is secured within the recess of the plastic header such that the electronic circuit is in electrical contact with at least one of the pins.

Abstract: A method for determining crack nucleation for a part subject to fretting fatigue. Fretting fatigue tests are performed on at least one test specimen having a material composition similar to the part. The results of the test are analyzed to determine a variation of stress intensity factor as a function of time which may be referred to as (Q{N}) for the test specimen. A relationship is then determined between (Q{N}) and crack nucleation (Ni) for the test specimen. A variation of stress intensity factor as a function of time (Q{N}) for the part is determined based on the operating conditions and loads of the part. The (Q{N}) for the part is then corresponded to the (Q{N}) for the test specimen to determine a crack nucleation value (Ni) for the part. In a preferred embodiment, a computer is programmed to conduct the analysis.

Abstract: A container for storing sport balls incorporates a device for testing the playing condition of the balls. The test device is in the form of a disk with a base portion supported within the container and an indicator arm. A ball to be tested is placed into the container where it rests on the indicator arm with a portion of the ball protruding out of the open end of the container. The exposed portion of the ball is pressed against a flat surface. This deflects the indicator arm and provides a visual indication of the playing condition of the ball.

Abstract: A method of regulating the counterpressure in an apparatus for plasticising and quantitatively regulating plastic material by means of a screw which is driven by separate servo motors for the rotary movement and the axial movement, wherein the deviation of the counterpressure from the reference value is detected by at least one sensor, the axial movement of the screw being predetermined and deviations of the pressure from the reference value being compensated by altering the rotary movement of the screw.

Abstract: There is provided a method of testing a joint formed by bonding of two tubulars, which method comprises the steps of holding a first tubular; applying a force to displace a second tubular relative to the first tubular; and removing the force. The final position of the second tubular is then compared with the position which it occupied prior to the application of the force by means of a sensor mounted remotely from the second tubular.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for measuring the adhesiveness of a slow-release tablet in which the tablet is adhered to a surface and a force necessary to initiate movement of the tablet parallel to the surface is measured. The measured force is used to determine the tablet's adhesiveness.

Abstract: An energy metering device includes a volumetric flow meter or mass flow meter in combination with a gas analyzer that provides telemetry regarding the constituents of a natural gas flow stream. An interpreter analyzes this information and provides a real time output corresponding to the enthalpy of combustion for the gas stream. This output is used to adjust or throttle the gas flow stream for purposes of delivering the flow stream according to a preselected parameter, which is related to desired operating conditions for a combustion device including a boiler or an engine.

Abstract: A method of measuring a gas mass fraction (X) in a mass of liquid and gas flowing in direction (A) along pipeline (2) which includes a venturi formed by throat (10), convergent portion (12) and divergent portion (14). Adjacent the venturi (12, 10, 14) but upstream is a flow conditioner (28) creating a uniform mixture of gas and liquid downstream so as to reduce or avoid slip between the gas and liquid phases in the venturi. Differential pressure (DP1) is measured between a position upstream of the flow conditioner and a position intermediate the flow conditioner and venturi. Differential pressure (DP2) is measured between the throat and a position intermediate the flow conditioner and venturi. Differential pressure (DP3) is measured across the venturi. Computer (50) calculates the gas mass fraction (X) using a formula that may take the form: X=a·(DP1)b·(DP2)c·(DP3)d·(DP2−DP3)e·(DP1+DP3)f, in which a, b, c, d, e and f are constants.