Abstract: According to the present invention, the pointed end (11) of the central spike (7) consists of a deformable structure (13) that can adopt either a folded position or a deployed position.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine (12) including a water injection system (56) for providing a flow of water (60) to only a pilot diffusion combustion zone (20) of a dual-mode combustor (10) and not to a pre-mixed combustion zone (18) of the combustor. The selective reduction of peak flame temperature in the pilot flame zone provides a maximum reduction in the production of oxides of nitrogen with a minimum consumption of water. The pilot fuel fraction of the combustor may be increased prior to the initiation of the pilot water injection flow. The flow rate of the pilot injection water may be varied as a function of the power level of the gas turbine, and further as a function of the humidity of the ambient air (36).

Abstract: A gas turbine engine (12) wherein combustion conditions are controlled as a function of the humidity of the ambient air (36) in order to ensure stable, emission-compliant performance over a range of ambient conditions. The pilot fuel fraction supplied to a dual mode combustor (10) may be controlled to be responsive to the relative humidity or the specific humidity of the ambient air. Humidity may be measured directly or it may be calculated as a function of other temperature and pressure measurements. A fuel system (44) is controlled by a controller (46) having as inputs the signals from one or more of a relative humidity sensor (62), a barometric pressure sensor (56), a wet bulb temperature sensor (58) and a dry bulb temperature sensor (60).

Abstract: A dual fuel power generation system employing a steam-mixed fuel and/or a gaseous fuel to power a turbine engine. The steam-mixed fuel is a gaseous mixture of a light hydrocarbon and steam. The steam-mixed fuel and gaseous fuel are delivered to the turbine engine (either individually or mixed) via a common fuel controller, a common fuel distribution system, and a common gas-only fuel nozzle.

Abstract: A system for supporting a plurality of fuel nozzles in a combustor includes a plurality of fuel nozzles coupled to a fuel nozzle support housing proximate an upstream end of each fuel nozzle, a plurality of swirler vanes rigidly coupled to respective fuel nozzles proximate an intermediate portion of the fuel nozzle, a plurality of shrouds rigidly coupled to respective swirler vanes, each shroud having an upstream end adjacent the intermediate portion of the fuel nozzle and a downstream end and a support plate rigidly coupled to the plurality of shrouds proximate an intermediate portion of each of the shrouds. The support plate has a perimeter approximately equal to an inside perimeter of combustor housing which allow the support plate to limit the movement and vibration of the fuel nozzles.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for preventing an overload of an air conditioner and a method thereof. The apparatus includes current feedback units for feeding back the currents supplied to the compressors to the controller where at least one of a plurality of compressors, operated in response to currents generated from a controller for controlling an operation of the air conditioner, is in an overload state; and a comparator for sensing current differences between the currents inputted into the compressors and the currents fed back from the current feedback units. After sensing the current differences between the currents inputted into the compressors and the currents fed back from the current feedback units, the comparator determines that at least one of the compressors is in the overload state if a current difference does not exist.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the temperature of an electronic device under test includes a thermal head having a temperature controlled surface for making thermal contact with the electronic device. The thermal head defines a flow channel for passage of a refrigerant fluid so as to cause transfer of thermal energy between the electronic device and the thermal head. A refrigeration system is connected in fluid communication with the flow channel of the thermal head to supply refrigerant fluid thereto. The refrigeration system includes a metering valve operative to regulate introduction of the refrigerant fluid into the thermal head. A controller is operative to control the metering valve for maintaining a predetermined temperature at the temperature controlled surface.

Abstract: A power supply control apparatus is provided for a vehicle that includes air-conditioning electric devices and other electric devices. In the power supply control operation, current target power that is necessary for the specific electric device is calculated based on precedent target power calculated last time; allowed power that is allowed to be supplied to a specific electric device is calculated based on total power demand of the vehicle; power to be supplied to the specific device to the allowed power if the current target power is larger than the allowed power; and the precedent target power is replaced with the allowed power if actual power supplied to the specific electric device is limited to the allowed power.

Abstract: In a refrigerating open showcase comprising a showcase body whose top surface is open; an inner plate disposed to form an air passage between the inner plate and the showcase body; and a cooler disposed in the air passage, in which an air curtain is formed on the top surface of the showcase body by causing air having been cooled in the air passage to flow from a discharge port to a suction port, the upper end of the inner plate on the suction port side is bent toward the air passage on the suction side, and the upper face of the bent portion is inclined slightly with respect to the horizontal in the direction that the upper face of said bent portion faces a side wall on the suction port side of the showcase body.

Abstract: For deodorizing and sterilizing indoor air to make the residence space a comfortable environment, a lamp box (300) having an air inlet (320) and an air outlet (330) between the upper ends of a front heat exchanger (210) and a rear heat exchanger (230), and containing an ultraviolet lamp (310) is placed, ultraviolet light with the waveband of 250 to 260 nm and ultraviolet light with the waveband of 100 to 220 nm are emitted from the ultraviolet lamp (310), and a part of the ultraviolet light is applied to at least the rear heat exchanger (230) through the air outlet (330).

Abstract: The air conditioning system for cupboards for receiving control and automation systems as well as for the network technique, in particular for switch cupboards with a cooling device, is characterized in that warm air (WL) is sucked from the inside (22) of the switch cupboard (20) by means of a fan (31) and is supplied to one or at least two evaporators (35, 135), preferably placed in the surface plane of the fan (31), whereby cold air (KL) is conducted into the inside (22) of the switch cupboard (20), whereby a condenser (45) is placed below the evaporators (35, 135) in such a way that the evaporators (35, 135) come to rest with a section or with their front areas (35a, 135a) above the condenser (45) so that condensate delivered by the evaporators (35, 135) drops onto the condenser (45) and evaporates or volatilizes, whereby ambient air (UL) is delivered to the condenser (45), whereby the cold air delivery sections to the inside (22) of the switch cupboard (20) are constant in their lengths or changeable in l

Abstract: An air conditioner includes an outdoor section comprising an outdoor coil, a fan, and a refrigerant compressor housed within a cabinet. The cabinet includes an outer wrapper supported by a plastic base. The base and wrapper include features that facilitate the cabinet's assembly and shipping, enhance its appearance, and ensure its functional and structural integrity. For example, the base includes breakaway shipping tabs, lead-ins that help guide the wrapper and coil into position during assembly, and snaps that help hold the wrapper in place with a minimal number of screws. The wrapper includes watertight screw-receiving dimples for mounting electrical hardware, side panels that interconnect by way of a novel vertically sliding fit, and a spacer for protecting the coil from being crushed by the wrapper. A frame that supports the fan also supports the cabinet's top cover.

Abstract: The present invention is a beverage dispenser 10 that can be assembled virtually entirely by hand without the need for hand or power tools. Exterior cladding panels 14, 50, 52, 54, and 70 thereof provide for interlocking assembly. A new ice bank evaporator structure 46, baffle 28 and method of ice bank control are also shown. In addition, dispenser 10 includes a merchandising cover 100 that permits for quick low cost conversion from an opaque display to one utilizing a back-lit transparency 120. Dispenser 10 further includes a molded plastic box 146 releasably securable to the base panel 14 thereof for retaining syrup pumps 134 therein for permitting quick access thereto.

Abstract: A shell and coil type heat exchanger evaporator provides cooling for industrial coolants characterized by high viscosity and a poor heat transfer coefficient. A large heat transfer surface area is provided within a limited volume, and without a high coolant pressure drop. A short initial cool down period is provided due to minimized heat exchanger mass and minimized volume of liquid coolant in the heat exchanger during initial cool down.

Abstract: A heat transfer engine having cooling and heating modes of reversible operation, in which heat can be effectively transferred within diverse user environments for cooling, heating and dehumidification applications. The heat transfer engine of the present invention includes a rotor structure which is rotatably supported within a stator structure. The stator has primary and secondary heat exchanging chambers in thermal isolation from each other. The rotor has primary and secondary heat transferring portions within which a closed fluid flow circuit is embodied. The closed fluid flow circuit within the rotor has a spiraled fluid-return passageway extending along its rotary shaft, and is charged with a refrigerant which is automatically circulated between the primary and secondary heat transferring portions of the rotor when the rotor is rotated within an optimized angular velocity range under the control of a temperature-responsive system controller.

Abstract: The gas-liquid separating condenser of the present invention can enhance the sub-cooling rate in the pre-sub-cooling section as well as in the total sections. Moreover, the present invention can have designs according to calculated conditional expressions of relative dimensional ratios of the sections in condensation of refrigerant to realize the optimum condensing efficiency regardless of the overall size of the gas-liquid separating condenser.

Abstract: A limited portion of a surface of a glass substrate is removed by application of a laser beam on the limited portion of the glass substrate to thereby produce a glass structure according to the invention. The glass substrate contains at least one element such as titanium, iron, vanadium, bismuth, lead, thallium, tin, cerium, rhodium or cobalt capable of absorbing energy of the laser beam and has a threshold of not larger than 1.0 J/cm2 per laser beam pulse in terms of machining energy of the laser beam. When such a glass substrate 21 is used, a glass structure having a through-hole 61 or cavity optional in sectional shape can be formed by irradiation with the laser beam 10.

Abstract: A preform for a low loss fiber optic cable and method and apparatus for fabricating such a preform is provided. The method includes providing AlCl3 and CVD precursors and locally doping CaCl3. Alkali and/or alkaline earth fluxing agents can be introduced. The alkali and/or alkaline earths are doped along with the aluminum into the silica glass core.

Abstract: A personal washing system having a water purification chamber, cleaning agent injection system, mixing chamber for mixing a cleaning agent with water to produce a cleaning solution, and application hose and nozzle for applying the cleaning solution to an area being cleaned.

Abstract: A shield for preventing unauthorized manipulation of a fluid valve which can be retrofitted by the end user in place of the valve handle. The shield assembly includes a cylindrical shield member which is held on the valve assembly by a key adapter fastened to the valve stem in place of the valve handle. The key adapter includes a cavity for matingly receiving the valve stem such that rotation of the key adapter is transmitted to the valve stem for operation of the valve. The key adapter is positioned within the cylindrical shield preventing manipulation with a hand tool. The key adapter has a specially configured knob which is matingly engaged by a key for rotation of the key adapter and valve stem to selectively move the valve between its open and closed positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lock assembly having a short key recess for reducing a length of an ignition key for a vehicle. According to the present invention, a locking lever, a stopper plate and a push rod consisting the lock assembly of the vehicle have an improved structure, which are placed in a steering shaft. Thereby, a modulation of a crush pad and an instrument panel can be easily established. As the structure and an operation mechanism of the lock assembly are improved, there are advantages in that the length of the ignition key can be reduced while it is possible to provide a convenience to a user.

Abstract: An antitheft apparatus comprising a steering assembly for a vehicle, the steering assembly providing a centrally positioned hub portion enclosing a shock actuated airbag, and extending around the hub portion a steering wheel portion; and a theft-resistant cover. The cover provides a circular face portion covering the steering assembly and a circular peripheral flange portion extensive circumferentially from the face portion and therefrom, around the steering wheel portion of the steering assembly. The cover is split into two opposing cover halves along a central split line. At one end of the split line and integral with the cover halves, a device for locking the cover halves about the steering wheel portion is engaged. And at the other end of the split line, and integral with the cover halves, a hinging device allows pivotal movement of the cover halves between a closed position engaging the locking device and an open position disengaging the locking device.

Abstract: A locking device for a door containing at least one bolt for locking and unlocking the door, has a locking cylinder and at least one handle for opening the door. The bolt is coupled to the locking cylinder and the handle by a coupling. The handle is used to actuate the locking cylinder. An electronic control unit and at least one mobile identification carrier are interlinked by a wireless data transmission device, to verify the access authorization and to control the locking device. The locking device has circuit elements for this purpose. The circuit elements are connected to the control unit and the latter can be activated by the circuit elements when the handle is actuated.

Abstract: A lock assembly incorporating a number of features designed to defeat attempts to pick or destroy the lock. The lock cylinder assembly employs multiple arrays of pass key pins, making picking of the lock much more difficult. Second, the arrangement of the pass key pins in separate arrays requires that multiple cuts would have to be made into the lock housing mogul or cylinder blank in order to defeat the lock cylinder assembly. Third, the lock cylinder assembly of the present invention may incorporate multiple sets of hardened dowel pins to prevent drilling through the lock housing mogul in the area of the driver pins. Fourth, the lock cylinder assembly of the present invention may incorporate a hardened cylinder shield behind the front face of the cylinder blank to prevent drilling through the cylinder blank.

Abstract: A locking device for controlled, reversible security using a control key to set the lock's accessibility to multiple individual keys, thus providing complete control of security. The control key has hierarchy over the individual key(s). Rotating the control key from the first to a second position prevents the core from being actuated by the individual key(s), thus activating a blocking function by which the lock can only be operated by the control key. Returning the control key from the second position back to the first position allows the control key to be removed ( the blocking function is still active). When the control key is rotated from the first to a third position, the core can be operated by the individual key(s), thus inactivating the blocking function. Returning the control key from the third position to the first position allows removal of the control key (blocking function remains inactive).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for supplementing the soil/diet of plants in order to enhance plant growth, yield, hardening, as well as the recovery of plants which undergo transplantation.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to condition the outer flanges of a vehicle wheel includes a main base assembly secured to a fixed surface, a lower tool assembly operatively supported by the main base assembly, at least one upper drive assembly operatively supported by the main base assembly, and an upper rim guide assembly. The upper drive assembly of the apparatus includes an electric servo drive unit operatively connected to drive a conditioner roll having an outer surface provided with a predetermined profile adapted to engage and condition at least one of the outer flanges of the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A rolling mill for rolling or sizing of metallic pipes, bars and wires has a plurality of rolling units which are arranged on a straight line close to one another and can be exchanged in total, partly or individually, each of the rolling units having at least three rolls which are arranged in a star-like configuration around a rolling mill axis, drive shafts and motors each driving a respective one of the rolls in all the rolling units, a rolling unit housing provided for the rolling units, roll bearings provided for the rolls, and multi-part roll shafts provided for supporting the rolls so that the rolls can be exchanged without dismounting of the rolling unit housing and the roll bearings, the rolling units holding the rolls inside and outside of the rolling mill in their operational positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flanging apparatus for metal sheets for use with metal sheets of the body structure in vehicle manufacturing, with a base frame, with a flanging bed movable up and down, and with flanging jacks movable into the work area of the flanging bed. The invention consists of the fact that a flanging tool has the main, workpiece-specific components, in particular the flanging bed and flanging jacks, and is arranged in the base frame as an exchangeable unit.

Abstract: There are provided a step of preparing a plurality of metal plates that has a concave shape in a center principal portion except a predetermined peripheral portion, and a step of executing a thermal treatment to the plurality of metal plates in such a state that a plurality of metal plates are stacked to mate the predetermined peripheral portion with each other and also predetermined peripheral portions are pushed.

Abstract: A system for detecting and displaying force data relating to impacts received on an item of athletic equipment includes two or more items of athletic equipment each having a force sensor, logic and a wireless transmitter therein, a receiver adapted to receiver signals from each of the transmitters, and a processor for formatting the data for display. The force sensor may be a capacitive force sensor. The logic may have an operating mode and a sleep mode, with an inertial sensor providing a signal to cause the logic to switch from sleep mode to operating mode. The logic identifies and stores signals exceeding a threshold for transmission. Transmissions are repeated, and the receiver is adapted to distinguish and discard corrupted and repeated transmissions. The display provides an indication of force and number of recorded hits in association with the names of the competitors.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for monitoring the composition of a breathing gas mixture having a first gaseous component and a second gaseous component, a data processor is supplied, either as an input value or as a measured value from associated humidity sensors with an indication of a moisture content value (RHComp1) for the first gaseous component and a moisture content value (RHComp2) second gaseous component before mixing. An indication of the moisture content value for the mixture (RHMix) is measured and provided to the data processor. From these inputs the data processor determines a value indicative of the amount (x,y) of one or both of the first gaseous component and the second gaseous component in the mixture according to the relationship: RHcomp1·x+RHcomp2·y=RHMix.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes an element case 42 with an internal peripheral surface formed as a taper surface 100. A portion of a housing section 43 surrounded by the taper surface 100 and a protective film 48 is filled with a filler 49. When the filler 49 thermally expands at high temperature, the filler 49 is subjected to a component of force in an upward direction by the taper surface 100. Therefore, projection of an element portion 44 involving deformation of the protective film 48 is suppressed, a change &Dgr;L of a propagation distance L to a reflecting section 33 is also suppressed, and a detection accuracy never decreases. In addition, reverberation is reduced.

Abstract: The invention is a device for monitoring humidity, comprising a first layer, which is a visual indicator, a second layer covering and obscuring the first layer, with the second layer comprising a deliquescent material. The deliquescent material picks up moisture and dissolves itself in the moisture, becoming transparent and exposing the first layer. Also included is a viewing means, such as a sight glass, disposed on the opposite side of the second layer from the first layer. The components of the device are mounted or placed in an enclosure that allows entrance of moisture. The activation humidity level may be selected by choosing the appropriate deliquescent material. The device may be in the form of a component of a moisture-containing system and used to detect the moisture should it leave its containment. It may also be in the form of a stand-alone device, such as a capsule, used to monitor exposure to humidity.

Abstract: Sensors are provided which are selective for a specific gas. The sensors include a substrate, electrodes, and a thin film metal oxide. Methods for choosing the metal oxide to be utilized in the sensor with selectivity for the specific gas are also provided, as are methods for determining the presence of a specific gas in a gaseous mixture.

Abstract: A misfire detection apparatus for an internal combustion engine is capable of accurately determining an occurrence of combustion or misfiring in each cylinder of the engine even when an ionic current superposed on a leakage current decreases monotonously to provide no period or range in which the ionic current increases. An ionic current detector 3 detects an ionic current signal corresponding to an ionic current generated when an air fuel mixture in each combustion chamber of the engine is combusted. A gradient detector 6, 7, 8 detects, after firing of the air fuel mixture, a first gradient of the ionic current signal at first detection intervals and a second gradient of the ionic current signal at second detection intervals longer than the first detection intervals. A determination of combustion or misfiring in each combustion chamber is made based on the first and second gradients.

Abstract: A rugged, handheld, single-reading device, for fast measurement of soil surface air permeability; and methods utilizing empirical relationships, involving geometric factors and voltage readings to quickly convert the latter to air permeability values. Use of a contact probe and an insertion probe are evaluated, and air permeability values determined with the contact and the insertion probe were found comparable for dry porous media.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring the viscosity of a fluid, which has an oscillator. The oscillator is dipped into the fluid. The surface of the oscillator is provided with a dirt-repellent coating.

Abstract: The method according to the invention consists in providing two containers fed by the water source whose pollution is desired to be measured, each of the containers containing fish and being equipped with means able to detect any abnormal behaviour of said fish, alternate the lighting and obscurity periods for said two containers, carry out the detection of the behaviour of the fish in the two containers and trigger an alarm signal when the detection shows an abnormal behaviour of the fish.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for measuring residual stress, methods of measuring residual stress data and residual stress using the apparatus, and a recording medium for storing software of the residual stress measuring method. The present invention is advantageous for evaluation of a mechanical material property and is non-destructive. Further, the present invention is widely applied to fields ranging from a microscopic area, such as a thin film or micro device, to a large-sized structure, and is not influenced by a microstructure by controlling the range of an applied load. Further, the measuring apparatus of the present invention is minimized in its volume to be easily attached to an actual structure. Further, in the present invention, various attaching devices are employed, thus enabling the apparatus to be attached to various materials regardless of the size and type of object materials to measure residual stress.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a surface profile of an object to be measured includes a measuring probe positioned to contact the surface of the object to be measured, guide mechanism for supporting and guiding the measuring probe in an axis direction of the measuring probe, tilt angle adjustment mechanism for tilting the guide mechanism at a predetermined tilt angle to a horizontal direction so that the measuring probe contact the surface of the object to be measured with a predetermined contact force, and drive mechanism for relatively driving at least one of the measuring probe and the object to scan the surface of the object to be measured with the measuring probe. The contact force is derived from a tilt direction component of the gravity of the measuring probe generated when the measuring probe is tilted.

Abstract: A method of operating a gas turbine engine for testing, comprising: providing an aircraft on a tarmac, the aircraft having a gas turbine engine with an inlet; selecting a power setting for the engine that is capable of producing a vortex between the inlet and the tarmac; and inhibiting formation of the vortex. A suppressor for preventing a vortex between an inlet of a gas turbine engine on an aircraft and a tarmac. The suppressor comprises: a base facing the tarmac; and an inclined surface extending in a direction from the tarmac towards the inlet at an angle to the base. The suppressor prevents formation of the vortex.

Abstract: Equipment for testing wheel durability in which the marginal portion of the rim portion of the wheel is mounted to the rotary disk with one end of the moment shaft and the spindle shaft corresponding to the axle being mounted to the disk portion of the wheel. The rotary disk is rotated in a state in which a load is applied to the other end of this moment shaft for thereby evaluating the durability of the wheel. The marginal portion of the wheel is mounted to the rotary disk while pressing with the pressing member obtained by dividing a ring-shaped plate into two. The pressing member permits the mounting of the wheel to the rotary disk with an uniform pressing force in the circumferential direction and prevents rattling, local deformation and the like of the wheel.

Abstract: A remote tire pressure monitoring system and method for installing the system are disclosed. The remote tire pressure monitoring system includes a pressure monitor, a tire valve assembly including a valve stem, a retention nut, and a plastic thin-walled valve cap which fits on an open end of the valve assembly. The outer diameter of the thin-walled valve cap is smaller than the inner diameter of the retention nut. As a result, the retention nut fits over the thin-walled valve cap. The tire pressure monitoring system is installed on a tire rim by threading the tire valve assembly with the valve cap in place through an opening in the tire rim and then passing the retention nut over the valve cap and tightening the retention nut onto the valve stem.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring the level of free-flowing particulate material in a storage bin comprises an electronic load cell fixedly positionable at the upper end of the storage bin and having a cable suspended therefrom in the storage bin. The lower end of the cable is adjacent the lower end of the storage bin so that the load of the cable alone causes of the electronic load cell to provide a first signal to a process controller indicative of an empty storage bin. The load of the cable plus the downward force of any particulate material in the storage bin on the cable causes the electronic load cell to provide a second output signal to the process controller proportional to the amount of particulate material in the storage bin.

Abstract: An inertia force sensor of the invention is provided with a damper portion. The damper portion includes a cantilever for a movable part disposed in a movable electrode portion so as to protrude therefrom and a cantilever for a fixed part disposed in a support portion for the movable part or a support portion for the fixed part so as to protrude therefrom. The damper portion is formed so that the cantilever for the movable part and the cantilever for the fixed part contact each other before the movable electrode portion contacts the support portion for the movable part and the support portion for the fixed part. As a result, it is possible to prevent a stopper portion from being damaged and improve the reliability of the sensor.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a sensing element and a pair of supporting members for supporting the sensing element at one end in the longitudinal direction thereof. The sensing element includes four laminated piezoelectric layers, and electrodes are provided at the center in the thickness direction of the sensing element, between a pair of first layers and a pair of second layers, and on the outer surfaces of the pair of second layers. Cells formed by the first and second layers at each side of the center in the thickness direction are electrically connected in parallel. The pair of first layers preferably have substantially the same thickness and the pair of second layers preferably have substantially the same thickness, and the ratio of the thickness T1 of each first layer to the total thickness T2 of each first and second layer is about 62% to about 76%.

Abstract: Plate waves are used to determine the presence of defects within a porous medium, such as a membrane. An acoustic wave can be propagated through a porous medium to create a plate wave within the medium. The plate wave creates fast compression waves and slow compression waves within the medium that relate to the material and structural properties of the medium. The fast compression wave provides information about the total porosity of a medium. While the slow compression wave provides information about the presence of defects in the medium or the types of materials that form the medium.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is provided in which the scanhead connectors are elevated and tilted upward. This is provided by a tilted card cage with a backplane mount for the scanhead connectors which extends above the top of the card cage. The elevated and tilted scanhead connectors provide a comfortable position and orientation for the system operator when inserting and removing probe connectors, and the elevated position keeps the probe cables well above the floor and entanglement with the wheels.

Abstract: An apparatus intended to reduce or eliminate human tissue damage caused by under- or over-inflation of air-filled bodily support cushions by sensing the internal air pressure and alerting the user to that pressure. The apparatus uses a simple, inexpensive, analog or digital gauge connected to the exterior of cushions, such as those cushions used on the seats of wheelchairs. It can also use an audible warning activated by the gauge, indicating cushion pressure outside a pre-set range of values. The apparatus also includes a valve that can be used to release or add pressure to the cushion. Further, the length of the apparatus can be varied so that the outlet valve can be easily accessed and/or the gauge can be easily viewed.