Abstract: A refrigeration system including a compressor, condenser, valve, and refrigeration branch, all of which is in fluid communication. The refrigeration branch includes an evaporator coil. The refrigeration system further includes a case adapted to be cooled by the evaporator coil, and a system controller operable to control one or more aspects of the refrigeration system, and a subsystem controller in communication with the system controller. The subsystem controller is operable to control a subsystem having one of the compressor, condenser, valve, refrigeration branch, and case. The method of operating the refrigeration system includes at the subsystem controller, monitoring a parameter of the subsystem, comparing the monitored parameter with a parameter limit, generating an alarm when the parameter is not within the parameter limit, and communicating the alarm to the system controller.

Abstract: A heat pump, and in particular a heat pump for heating a hot water supply is provided with an improved defrost mode. The defrost mode is actuated to remove frost from an outdoor evaporator that may accumulate during cold weather operation. An algorithm for operation of the defrost mode is developed experimentally by seeking to maximize the heat transfer provided by the refrigerant. A heating system condition is experimentally related to the heat transfer capacity. One then maximizes the average heat transfer capacity to determine the optimum initiation point for the defrost mode. Further, protections are included into the defrost mode. When the heat pump is utilized to heat hot water, methods are provided to prevent the water that remains in the heat exchanger from becoming unduly heated. In one method, the water pump may be periodically operated to move the water.

Abstract: An air conditioning system may comprise an air handler, heat pump or fossil fuel furnace and may include a variable speed blower for conducting air through the system and operably connected to a controller which is also connected to a thermostat and/or humidity sensor. A discharge air temperature sensor may be disposed downstream of or embedded in a heat exchanger of the air conditioning system and connected to the controller for controlling the blower speed and airflow through the system. The amount of heating or cooling effect produced by the heat exchanger or blower speed may be adjusted to provide a constant discharge temperature or lower the humidity of air returning to a controlled space.

Abstract: A cooling system for cooling an ambient to be cooled, a cooler and a method of controlling a cooling control system are described. The cooling control system comprises a variable capacity compressor and a controller, the controller measuring the load of the compressor by means of the measurement of the electric current and verifying the temperature condition in the cooler ambient and actuating on the cooling capacity of the compressor, the compressor being controlled to actuate in cycles, the cooling capacity being altered in function of an evolution of the load of the compressor along the cooling cycles in combination with an evolution of the temperature condition in the cooled ambient.

Abstract: A heat pump type hot water supplying apparatus includes a hot water reservoir tank (3) and a circulating path (12) for connecting a water intake port (10) formed at the bottom of the hot water reservoir tank (3) and a hot water inlet (11) formed at the upper portion of the hot water reservoir tank (3) to each other. A water circulating pump (13) and a heat exchanging path (14) are disposed on the circulating path (12). A boiling operation is performed for heating the heat exchanging path (14) by a heat pump type heating source, boiling water which has not been heated yet from the water intake port (10) and returning the heated water to the hot water inlet (11). A bypassing path (17) branched from the hot water inlet (11) and connected to the bottom of the hot water reservoir tank (3) is disposed on the circulating path (12).

Abstract: A heat and cooling system having an indoor air coil subcircuit, an outdoor air coil subcircuit, a geothermal subcircuit, and a control system for selectively operating the system in air-to-air heating, air-to-air cooling, geothermal heating, air-to-air defrost (optionally) and geothermal defrost modes. The various subcircuits may be connected to one another in parallel. The heating and cooling system may include a control system that permits refrigerant to be selectively routed through any two of the heat exchangers to provide the various modes of operation. In one embodiment, the control system may generally include a circuit having a single reversing valve, a plurality of check valves, a plurality of solenoid valves and a plurality of expansion devices.

Abstract: An integrated air conditioner, including a condenser casing to house a condenser and a condenser fan therein, the condenser casing including a front plate, an upper cover extending from an upper edge of the front plate, and a plurality of hinges integrally provided between the front plate and the upper cover, spaced apart from at regular intervals, wherein the upper cover rotates around the hinges be perpendicular to the front plate.

Abstract: A refrigeration unit includes an evaporator assembly including an evaporator coil forming a first part of a refrigerant path. A condenser assembly is at least partially disposed in a compartment in a housing and includes a condenser coil forming a second part of the refrigerant path. A condensate pan is arranged and configured to receive condensate having dropped from the evaporator assembly. The condensate pan has a first portion that is exposed to pressure conditions in the compartment and a second portion that is spaced away from the compartment and exposed to ambient pressure.

Abstract: Heat exchanger plates for indirect evaporative coolers, of the type having a dry side having low permeability to an evaporative liquid and formed to allow a product fluid to flow over a heat transfer area of its surface, a wet side designed to have its surface wet by an evaporative liquid, and formed to allow a working gas to flow over its surface to evaporate the evaporative liquid, further include edge extensions formed beyond the heat exchange area of the plates to facilitate removal of excess evaporative liquid. The edge extensions may slant or curve away from the wet side of the plates to assist in liquid removal. The plates may be used in a variety of configurations.

Abstract: An object is to provide a heating/cooling system capable of achieving reduction of power consumption, and enhancement of performance in a heating/cooling system usable in such a manner as to be switched to be hot/cold. The heating/cooling system having a storage chamber usable in such a manner as to be switched to be hot/cold, comprises: a refrigerant circuit comprising a compressor, a gas cooler, a pressure reducing device, an evaporator and the like, containing carbon dioxide sealed as a refrigerant therein, and having a supercritical pressure on a high-pressure side; a radiator through which the refrigerant flowing out of the gas cooler flows before entering the pressure reducing device; and an air blower which sends air through the gas cooler, the inside of the storage chamber is heated by the radiator, the inside of the storage chamber is cooled by the evaporator, and the air blower is stopped in a case where the inside of the storage chamber is heated by the radiator.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided which includes an ice maker, a dispenser and the other related components installed to a refrigerator door that opens and closes a storage space of a main body of the refrigerator, the walls of which are formed of insulating layers. A water supply tube is provided in the door to pass through a lower hinge and extend through the door so that water can be supplied to a filter in a filter chamber defined within the door. The water purified in the filter is supplied through a valve to the ice maker and dispenser. The filter chamber is configured to be opened and closed by a service door so that a user can more easily exchange the filter. The service door is provided in front of the door. Since the ice maker, the dispenser and the related components are integrated within the door, the storage space defined by the main body of the refrigerator can be further increased.

Abstract: An ice making and dispensing system suitable for making and dispensing ice through the refrigerator compartment door of a bottom freezer refrigerator. The ice maker is positioned in an insulated sub-compartment in the refrigerator compartment maintained at a temperature below 0° C. An insulated ice cube storage bin and ice dispenser are positioned on the refrigerator compartment door for dispensing ice cubes through the face of the refrigerator compartment door.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cold air guide structure of an ice-making chamber of a cold chamber door. The structure including: the cold chamber door; an insulation case disposed inside of the cold chamber door, thermally insulated and having an ice-making chamber therein; an ice-making unit installed in the ice-making chamber of the insulation case, for icing a supplied water by an ice-making cold air and housing pieces of ice; an insulation cover for opening and closing the ice-making chamber of the insulation case; a cold air inlet port for sucking the ice-making cold air into the ice-making chamber; a cold air outlet port for exhausting the ice-making cold air from the ice-making chamber; and an ice-making cold air guide unit for guiding the ice-making cold air to a predetermined air passage to suck or exhaust the ice-making cold air into or from the ice-making chamber.

Abstract: A drawer refrigeration unit provides two distinct zones of cooling in a single cabinet for two pull-out drawers. The refrigeration system includes an evaporator, a compressor and a condenser. The single evaporator system is aided by a damperless air circulation system to maintain the temperature zones at a temperature differential that is at least 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The present invention can thus be used as a combination refrigerator and freezer drawer unit using only one evaporator in a cross-ventilated cabinet.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air-conditioning installation, in particular for motor vehicles, having a compression refrigeration circuit of a refrigerant for A/C operation with a high-pressure region, a suction region and a connected stationary air-conditioning circuit, in particular for stationary air-conditioning operation when the compression refrigeration circuit is switched off, having a compressor, an expansion valve, an evaporator as cooler for releasing refrigeration to the environment, and a thermal accumulator comprising a heat storage medium. The thermal accumulator serves as a refrigeration accumulator and as a condenser during stationary air-conditioning operation. The refrigerant which is present serves as heat transfer medium for transferring the refrigeration from the thermal accumulator to the evaporator in the stationary air-conditioning circuit. The evaporator and the thermal accumulator are connected in series in terms of the flow of refrigerant.

Abstract: A refrigeration system including a direct expansion evaporator with a substantially vertical header through which a fluid mixture of a refrigerant and oil is pumped, a compressor for compressing the refrigerant, and a suction tube in fluid communication with the header and the compressor through which a stream of a first fluid mixture is drawn substantially in a first direction from the header by the compressor. The first fluid mixture exerts a first fluid pressure in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction. A second fluid mixture is located in the header and subject to a second fluid pressure substantially greater than the first fluid pressure to create a pressure differential. The system also includes an extraction apparatus with a passage subject to the pressure differential, through which passage the second fluid mixture is drawn into the suction tube.

Abstract: A tandem compressor refrigerant cycle with an economizer circuit is introduced to provide additional capacity and improve system efficiency. In this system, tandem compressors deliver compressed refrigerant to a common discharge manifold, and then to a common condenser. From the common condenser, the refrigerant passes to a plurality of evaporators, with each of the evaporators being associated with a separate environment to be conditioned. Each of the evaporators is associated with one of the plurality of compressors. By utilizing the common condenser, and yet a plurality of evaporators, the ability to independently condition a number of environments is achieved without the requirement of the same plurality of separate complete refrigerant circuits for each of the environments. In some embodiments, several of the plurality of compressors can be provided by compressor banks having its own plurality of compressors.

Abstract: A tandem compressor system is disclosed that delivers compressed refrigerant to a common discharge manifold, and then to a common condenser. From the common condenser, the refrigerant passes to a plurality of evaporators, with each of the evaporators being associated with a separate environment to be conditioned. A reheat function is provided by a reheat coil(s) for one or several environments such that desired temperature and humidity levels are achieved. Various reheat concepts and system configurations are disclosed, where the reheat coils are interconnected or independent from each other, as well as each evaporator is associated with a single or a plurality of the reheat coils.

Abstract: A unitary air conditioning system comprises an outdoor unit including a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger for heat exchange of the refrigerant and an expander connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, for expanding the refrigerant; a duct installed inside a zone of a building; a central blower unit having a heat exchanger connected to the outdoor unit through a first refrigerant pipe and a blower for supplying the air heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger to the duct; and an individual blower unit including a heat exchanger connected to the outdoor unit through a second refrigerant pipe and a fan for sending the air heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger and disposed in a zone in the building, for individually cooling or heating the zone.

Abstract: A scroll compressor is provided with economizer injection ports, which extend through the wrap of one of the scroll members. Preferably the injection ports are formed through a so-called “hybrid” wrap, which has a varying thickness. The other scroll member is provided with grooves in its base plate. The injection of economizer fluid occurs only during a portion of the orbiting cycle when the injection port and corresponding grooves are aligned with each other. An indentation is formed into the wrap that includes the injection port. The indentation is spaced circumferentially from the injection port. The indentation communicates with the groove, such that refrigerant can pass from the injection port, into the groove, and through the indentation into a compression chamber. This increases the injection time allowing more fluid to be injected into the compression chamber, and provides the scroll compressor designer with greater freedom to achieve desired flow of economizer fluid into the compression chambers.

Abstract: In a shell-and-tube heat exchanger with the tubes disposed within the shell for conducting the flow of a fluid to be in heat transfer interaction with a refrigerant contained in the volume formed by the heat exchanger shell and the external surfaces of the tube bundle, the tubes are elongated in their cross-section, with the elongation axis being oriented in the vertical direction to thereby enhance the heat transfer process and potentially reduce the heat exchanger size or tube count. The design features can be applied to both flooded and falling film heat exchangers and are equally applicable to both evaporators and condensers.

Abstract: An article includes a flexible bag that has a cavity therein. A predetermined quantity of ice pellets are deposited within a cavity of the bag and a predetermined quantity of polymer pellets are deposited within the cavity of the bag and mixed with the ice pellets such that a homogenous mixture of the ice pellets and the polymer pellets is formed within the cavity. Such polymer pellets and ice pellets have coextensive shapes. The polymer pellets further have liquid-absorbing characteristics such that melted ice is advantageously absorbed and retained by the polymer pellets during extended periods of time, thereby conveniently eliminating the need to drain the bag. The polymer pellets have vapor-releasing characteristics such that thermo-energy is released from the melted ice as a vapor rather than as a liquid to thereby advantageously prevent a surrounding area from becoming water damaged.

Abstract: Multi-stage vacuum distilling, cooling, and freezing processes for solution separation and seawater desalination are implemented through multi-stage vacuum distilling, cooling, and freezing systems. The systems are set to their initial state for implementing constant temperature distilling process, drain-to-vacuum and freezing process, transferring of a specific solution, and recycling of a hot circulating solution, so as to separate the specific solution. In the multi-stage cooling process, vacuum evaporation cooling is utilized to cool the solution in order to supply the low-temperature solution needed in the multi-stage vacuum freezing process. Vapors produced in the multi-stage vacuum distilling and cooling systems provide condensation heat needed to melt ice crystals produced in the multi-stage vacuum freezing system.

Abstract: A method for producing liquefied natural gas wherein high pressure liquid natural gas is subcooled and then flashed to form flash vapor and liquefied natural gas product, and the flash vapor is employed in a refrigeration cycle to generate refrigeration for subcooling the liquid natural gas.

Abstract: A low temperature air separation process and apparatus for producing pressurized gaseous product in an air separation unit using a system of distillation columns which include cooling a compressed air stream in a heat exchange line to form a compressed cooled air stream, sending at least part of the compressed, cooled air stream to a column of the system, liquefying a process stream to form a first liquid product, storing at least part of the first liquid product in a storage tank, sending at least part of the above first liquid product from the storage tank to the air separation unit as one of the feeds, extracting at least one second liquid product stream from a column of the column system and pressurizing the at least one second liquid product stream, vaporizing the above pressurized second liquid product stream to form pressurized gaseous product in the heat exchange line and extracting a cold gas without warming it completely in the heat exchange line.

Abstract: A jewelry ring and an associated assembly method involves the ring being assembled with a set of easily fabricated components that allow for mass production, easy custom fabrication, and use in hobby kits. The ring employs a U-shaped shank formed of sheet material and a bezel formed of sheet material that are attached to each other in a manner that imparts the ability for the bezel “float.” The bezel has an upper portion formed with sheet material to provide for ornamentation with designs or gemstones. The bezel further includes a lower portion that has a plurality of parallel ferrules. The shank includes a plurality of holes in each end and the bezel is attached to the shank with bars or wires that are inserted through one end of the shank, through the ferrules and through the other end of the shank and secured with retainers.

Abstract: A glass sheet forming system (20) provides continuous roll conveyed forming of heated flat glass sheets to formed shapes having a major axis of curvature and a minor axis of curvature perpendicular to each other. The forming is performed by a roll station (30) having a shape retaining quench (36) associated with a lower deformable roll bed (32) and an upper deformable roll former (34). An adjustment mechanism (78) provides adjustment of the extent of the minor curvature and an actuating mechanism (56) is operable to provide the major curvature.

Abstract: A wobbling washing machine and a method of controlling the same. The wobbling washing machine washes laundry by causing a washboard to wobble. The wobbling washing machine has a speed varying unit which varies a wobbling speed of the washboard to correspond to a load of the laundry. The wobbling washing machine varies a rotating speed of a motor according to the load of the laundry so as to decrease the wobbling speed of the washboard in response to the load of the laundry being small, and increase the wobbling speed in response to the load of the laundry being large, thus enabling the washing machine to suitably perform a washing operation according to the load of the laundry.

Abstract: A lock 10 for a sliding door or window. The lock 10 includes a hollow body 11 within which there is pivotally mounted a pair of hook tongues 14 and 15. The tongues are driven by rack gears 54 which are operated by a lock cylinder 19. The rack gears 54 move linearly in opposite directions to cause angular movement of the tongues 14 and 15 in opposite rotational directions.

Abstract: A rotary apparatus having a first rotating die assembly and a second rotating die assembly arranged in juxtaposition with one another on respective first and second sides of a strip work piece movement path, and operable in unison together to perform operations on a work piece passing therebetween, each die assembly having a main rotor mounted for rotation, at least one die support body supported by the main rotor, and being swingable relative to the main rotor, control cams connected the die support body, cam guides engageable by the control cams, and die support body bearings mounted on the main rotor for carrying the die support body. The die support body can be self-adjusting to the linear speed on the work piece, before and after contact. The die can have a movable portion which moves in or out to provide selective operation on the workpiece. The main rotors are connected by a gear drive train with anti-backlash adjustment.

Abstract: A guide mechanism for use with a sheet bending brake has a clamping member having a lower leg extending therefrom, a pivot arm and a guide mechanism. The pivoting arm being pivotally supported by and extending from the clamping member to define a clamping area with the lower leg. The guide mechanism reacts between the clamping member and the pivoting arm for moving the pivoting arm between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A method of producing a valve metal mill form having dimensions sufficient to be divided to form a plurality of sputter targets is described. The method includes multidirectional deformation of an ingot to form a mill form having a preferred average grain size of about 100 microns or less and/or a texture substantially void of textural bands.

Abstract: Standardized bumper testing includes a barrier adapted for testing vehicle bumper impact strength and engagement. The present improvement includes first and/or second thermoformed components attached to the barrier to replicate a profile and crush characteristics of a “generic” vehicle bumper. The first face component is an energy absorbing component with crush boxes for impact absorption, and replicates an energy absorber. The second component covers the first component and replicates a fascia.

Abstract: A gas detector for detecting a fluoro gas species in a gaseous environment containing same, e.g., an effluent from a semiconductor processing tool that employs corrosive fluoro species such as HF, NF3, etc. for etch cleaning. The gas detector preferably employs an elongated nickel-containing gas sensor element that can be vertically mounted on a fluoro-resistant support structure. Since the nickel-containing gas sensor element is sensitive to the fluoro species and is also electrically conductive, it can function both as a sensing component and a heat source when elevated temperature sensing is required. Vertical mounting of such elongated gas sensor element on the support structure significantly improves the signal strength, reduces the response time, minimizes the footprint of the gas detector, and provides structural flexibility for accommodating thermal expansion/contraction of the elongated gas sensor element.

Abstract: A gas sensor for sensing a gas stream constituent includes, mounted a substrate, a first gas-sensing element capable of sensing the constituent in a first concentration range, a reference element insensitive to the constituent and having electrical properties congruent with the first gas-sensing element, a heating element substantially circumscribing the first gas-sensing element and the reference element, a temperature-sensing element circumscribing the first gas-sensing element and the reference element, and a second gas-sensing element capable of sensing the constituent in a second concentration range. The first gas-sensing element and the reference element are preferably metal-gated metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) solid-state devices. The gas sensor is particularly configured to sense hydrogen concentration in a gas stream.

Abstract: The system and method for detecting water and/or gas leaks by monitoring usage patterns is described. In one embodiment, the existence of a leak is detected by looking for usage patterns wherein water or gas is always being used, at least at a low rate. A leak is indicated if usage does not drop to zero, at least for a period of time, during a given time interval (e.g., during a 24-hour period). The severity of the leak is indicated by the minimum amount of usage during the given time period. In one embodiment, the leak detection system is provided in connection with an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system.

Abstract: A system that facilitates in situ determination of lubricity in a fluid comprises a multi-element sensor positioned within a machine, wherein the multi-element sensor obtains data regarding a plurality of parameters of a fluid. A component calculates lubricity of the fluid based at least in part upon the measured parameters.

Abstract: The inventive method uses the ultrasound Doppler method (UVP) in order to determine a local velocity profile perpendicular to a line for a fluid which flows through said line, carrying suspended or emulsified particles. The wall shear stress of said fluid is measured locally within the range of said local velocity profile. Specific rheological parameters of the flowing fluid thus examined, e.g. viscosity function (shear viscosity), flow limit etc., can be determined from the local velocity profile and the local wall shear stress associated therewith. A suitable model is adapted by iteratively adapting a model-based theoretic velocity profile to a measured velocity profile.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing fuel flow in a return or returnless fuel system. The apparatus comprises a housing, a primary flow passage in the housing having an inlet for connection to the fuel system for receiving fuel pumped by the fuel pump, and an outlet adapted for connection to the fuel system for flow of fuel to one or more fuel injectors. The apparatus includes a first device for measuring a rate of fuel flow through the primary flow passage, and a second device for measuring a fuel pressure in the primary flow passage. A bypass valve in the primary flow passage is movable between a first position in which the bypass passage is closed and the primary flow passage is open to permit the flow of fuel to the outlet of the primary flow passage and a second position in which the bypass passage is open and the primary flow passage is closed whereby fuel is directed through a bypass passage for transfer to a fuel receptacle.

Abstract: A pressure-measuring glow plug for a diesel engine with a plug body (3, 4) for insertion into a cylinder of the diesel engine, a heating rod (1) which is arranged in the plug body (3, 4), and a pressure sensor, which is arranged under an initial tension between the heating rod (1) and the plug body (3, 4), in such a way that the pressure sensor (7) is acted upon by the pressure prevailing in the combustion chamber of the cylinder. The heating rod (1) transmits the pressure in the combustion chamber of the cylinder to the pressure sensor (7) and is arranged so as to be displaceable in a sliding manner in the axial direction relative to the plug body (3, 4). A seal in the form of a bellows-shaped component (2) is provided between the heating rod (1) and the plug body (3, 4).

Abstract: A mounting structure for a tire pressure sensing system. The tire pressure sensing system includes a pressure sensor placed on a wheel to sense pressure of a tire which is mounted on the wheel. The wheel is a cast wheel for a vehicle including a rim portion where the tire is mounted, a hub portion provided at the center of the rim portion, and spoke portions connecting the rim portion and the hub portion. The pressure sensor is placed in a boundary portion between the rim portion and the spoke portions. Since the pressure sensor is placed in the boundary portion between the rim portion and the spoke portions, a portion protruding into the tire when replacing a tire can be reduced. Consequently, workability for tire replacement can be improved.

Abstract: A method of developing a set of input forces used to analyze tire wear includes the steps of characterizing a wear course by driving a vehicle over the wear course and measuring data related to a plurality of forces experienced by the vehicle. A vehicle characterization model for a target vehicle having at least one tire is developed. The vehicle characterization model is used to calculate force data that represents the forces that would be experienced by at least one tire of the characterized vehicle if the characterized vehicle were driven over the characterized wear test course in the first vehicle configuration. The force data is then used to analyze tire wear using a computer prediction technique or by running an indoor wear test on the tire.

Abstract: One or a plurality of branch paths (3) having opening end portions (2) formed in the vicinity of an inner wall surface of a main path (1) through which a fluid flows so as to point the upstream or downstream side of the main path, and causing part of the fluid running in the vicinity of the inner wall surface of the main path to flow therethrough via the opening end portions, to thereby detect flow rates of the fluids running through the branch paths by using a thermal flow sensor (4). Preferably, a plurality of opening end portions (2a) pointed toward the upstream side or a plurality of opening end portions (2b) pointed toward the downstream side are arranged at regular intervals along the path cross section of the main path around the axis of the main path, to thereby measure a fluid flow with high accuracy.

Abstract: A sensing unit is constructed of a heater element and a temperature sensing element. The sensing unit is arranged in a region, in which measurement air, which flows into the inflow passage through the bypass inlet, bends at the substantially right-angle and contracts in flow. Alternatively, the sensing unit is arranged in a region immediately after an area, in which the measurement air flowing through the bypass inlet bends at the substantially right-angle. The lengthwise directions of the heater element and the temperature sensing element are respectively arranged to be in parallel with both thickness-wise side faces of the measurement body. Thereby, even when a flow rate of measurement air changes, an influence due to the change can be restricted from being exerted. Therefore, the maximum flow rate can be measured within the lengthwise range of the heater element from a low flow rate to a high flow rate.

Abstract: A micromachined fluid sensing device and a method for its fabrication. The sensing device incorporates a bypass passage, preferably an integral bypass passage within the device, that enables a volume of fluid to be delivered to the device, with a limited portion of the fluid passing through a passage within the device in which one or more properties of the fluid are sensed, such as but not limited to density, specific gravity, and chemical concentrations. The device is suitable for monitoring the fuel concentration in a fuel mixture for a fuel cell.

Abstract: A sensor involving a housing having a lower orifice to which a primary hose is connected. A secondary hose inside the primary hose is slightly shorter than the primary hose, with these hoses being placed inside a bin for determining fill level. One of two upper orifices in the housing is connected to a supply of air under pressure, with this air normally caused to flow outwardly from one of the hoses. Upon the degree of the fill of the bin being such that the material approaches the remote end of one of the hoses, the air normally flowing from the one hose is caused to be deflected into the remote end of the other of the hoses, causing a pressure increase. This pressure increase is directed through the other upper orifice, for being sensed at remotely located pressure sensing equipment.

Abstract: A light transmissive body for a fluid condition indicator has a substantial length shaped as a cruciform in transverse cross-section.

Abstract: Rate sensor having a plurality of generally planar masses, a drive axis in the plane of each of the masses, an input axis perpendicular to the drive axes, and sense axes perpendicular to the drive axes and the input axis. The masses are driven to oscillate about the drive axes and are mounted for torsional movement about the sense axes in response to Coriolis forces produced by rotation of the masses about the input axis, with sensors responsive to the torsional movement about the sense axis for monitoring rate of rotation.

Abstract: A precision flexure plate includes a flat disk positioned between two capacitor plates and supported by S-shaped beams. Deflection of the disk due to gravitational loads and resulting capacitance change is used to measure the accelerations in the direction perpendicular to the disk.

Abstract: An apparatus for noninvasively monitoring the flow and/or the composition of a flowing liquid using ultrasound is described. The position of the resonance peaks for a fluid excited by a swept-frequency ultrasonic signal have been found to change frequency both in response to a change in composition and in response to a change in the flow velocity thereof. Additionally, the distance between successive resonance peaks does not change as a function of flow, but rather in response to a change in composition. Thus, a measurement of both parameters (resonance position and resonance spacing), once calibrated, permits the simultaneous determination of flow rate and composition using the apparatus and method of the present invention.