Abstract: A gas-liquid separator (accumulator) is arranged at a refrigerant suction side of a compressor of a refrigerant cycle system mounted in a vehicle. The gas-liquid separator includes a gas-liquid separation portion for separating refrigerant into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant, and a liquid refrigerant storage portion for storing therein the separated liquid refrigerant. In the gas-liquid separator, the gas-liquid separation portion is arranged approximately vertically, and the liquid refrigerant storage portion is arranged approximately horizontally with respect to the approximately vertically arranged gas-liquid separation portion. Therefore, mounting performance of the gas-liquid separator in the vehicle can be effectively improved while gas-liquid separation can be accurately performed.

Abstract: An air conditioning system has a compressor for compressing a liquid refrigerant to form a high pressure vapor which is fed to a condenser for cooling the vapor so that it returns to liquid state and fed to an evaporator. In the evaporator, the liquid is transformed back to a vapor which absorbs heat from the surroundings and provides cooled air. A receiver stores extra refrigerant which is used at low ambient temperatures to flood the condenser to facilitate operation at ambient temperatures which are low compared to the ambient temperatures at which the capacity of the system is rated. A shutoff valve is employed to isolate the high and low pressure elements of the system from each other to enable servicing or pumping down of the system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for separating a stream having benzene, toluene and alkyl benzene, said method comprising: feeding the stream into a first distillation column, wherein the stream comprises between about 60 mole percent to about 85 mole percent toluene, between about seven mole percent to about 20 mole percent benzene, and between about seven mole percent to about 20 mole percent alkyl benzene; separating the steam into a first mixture stream and a second mixture stream; feeding the first mixture stream and the second mixture stream into a distillation system; separating the first mixture stream and the second mixture stream into a first product stream, a system recycle stream, and a second product stream.

Abstract: Method for controlling the production of one or more liquid products produced by one or more plants, that can be an air separation plant, that has a liquid storage capacity and that consumes electrical power. Linguistic values related to current liquid inventory, a rate of change of liquid inventory, projected demand requirements and projected unit power costs are inputted into a expert system controller having one or more rule sets that apply such input linguistic values to produce output linguistic values that are converted back to an output numerical value of a forecasted differential production rate to be applied during a forecast period. The output numerical value of differential production is added to the current production rate of the plants to obtain a new production rate which is applied during the forecast period.

Abstract: A cut design of an ornamental diamond and an observation method of the diamond which an observer can perceive a more beauty, are disclosed. The cut design is a round brilliant cut comprising a girdle, a crown above the girdle and a pavilion below the girdle. A girdle height (h) is 0.026 to 0.3 times a girdle radius, a pavilion angle (p) of a pavilion main facet ranges from 37.5 degrees to 41 degrees, and a crown angle (c) of a crown main facet is within a range of satisfying: c>?2.8667×p+134.233 and p<1/4×{(sin?1(1/n)+sin?1(1/n·sin c))×180/?+180·2c}, wherein n: refraction index of a diamond, ?: circular constant, p: pavilion angle in degrees, and c: crown angle in degrees. The cut design of the ornamental diamond provides an observer with plenty of visual-perceptible reflection when the observer watches the diamond above a table facet with a sight line of an angle less than 20 degrees with a vertical line at the center of the table facet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating web-type textiles, nonwovens or paper in a continuous stream, uses a gaseous treatment agent that circulates in the device. The product lies on the exterior face of a permeable drum (5), which is subjected to an induced draught and has two base sections (11, 12) on its front face, more precisely on a sieve-type or perforated surface (9), which covers the drum structure. A perforated drum jacket (15), whose edges are merely clipped into the two base sections (11, 12) extends between said base sections (11, 12). To achieve this, an annular groove (17) is machined into the base sections (11, 12). The edge of the sheet metal (15) and a ring-shaped clip segment (23) are inserted into said groove and are retained there by means of screws.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a washing aid dispenser for a washing machine. The dispenser (2) comprises at least a compartment (3) adapted to contain washing aid products, such as a rinse aid or fabric softener, provided with a first siphon (4) having pre-determined head and diameter and adapted to transfer said washing aid substances into the washing tub of the machine when the water in the compartment (3) reaches up to a priming level corresponding to said pre-determined head. In the compartment (3) there is further provided at least a second siphon (9) having greater head and diameter than said first siphon (4) and adapted to transfer said washing aid substances into the washing tub of the machine when the water in the compartment (3) reaches up to a priming level which is higher than the priming level of the first siphon (4).

Abstract: A laptop lock assembly is provided. The assembly includes a lock body configured to be coupled to a laptop, the lock body having a locking portion; a cable plug slidably coupled to the lock body, the cable plug including an arm; and a lock positioned at the lock body and configured to place the laptop lock assembly into a locked state in which the arm of cable plug and the locking portion of the lock body cooperate with one another to form an enclosed area between the arm of the cable plug and the locking portion of the lock body for constraining an object attached to or part of the laptop within the enclosed area, the lock being further configured to place the laptop lock assembly into an unlocked state in which the arm of the cable plug is slidably positioned away from the locking portion of the lock body, so that the object attached to or part of the laptop may be removed from the area.

Abstract: A padlock comprises a shackle having a first end and a second end and an arm, the arm being extendable along an axis of the arm. The arm further includes a locking mechanism having an axle pivotally connected to the second end and a plurality of tumblers sleeved into the axle, in which the axle defines an inner channel; and a movable connection component having a head and a shaft connected to the head, and when the locking mechanism is in a first position, the head is attached to the first end and when the locking mechanism is in a second position, only the movable connection component is movable along the axis of the arm and the head is detached from the first end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locking a container. The present disclosure relates to a lock mechanism which comprises a latch assembly having a rod and an extension including a latch aperture, wherein the extension extends from the rod to position the latch aperture away from the rod. The lock mechanism further comprises a door assembly having a door aperture. Additionally, a support assembly is adjustably coupled to the latch assembly wherein the support assembly includes at least one arm which supports the latch aperture in alignment with the door aperture. The method for locking the container comprises adjustably coupling the support assembly to the latch assembly and attaching the support assembly to mount assemblies which are releasably attached to internal walls of the container. The door is moved to a closed position to position the door aperture adjacent to the latch assembly wherein the extension is in alignment with the door aperture to receive a lock.

Abstract: A control assembly configured for a narrow stile door and for interaction with an exit device. The control assembly provides a means to translate user input, such as rotating a lever to operate a centercase. The control includes a slider for sliding movement within a housing between a first position extending a latchbolt of the exit device and a second position withdrawing the latchbolt. The control assembly configuration incorporates a swivel locking latch rotatable into the path of the slider to prevent the slider from moving out of the first position.

Abstract: A method for processing sheet metal includes processing and forming a sample and a blank on a work while leaving a microjoint part in a blanking process. The method also includes detecting at least one of a plate thickness of the work in an optional position and a spring-back amount of the sample during bending. Information of at least one of the plate thickness and the spring-back amount is transmitted to a controller of a bending machine in a bending process after the blanking process. Bending is performed by calculating a ram control value in bending using data of at least one of the transmitted plate thickness and the spring-back amount.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for forming thin-walled material from an essentially flat piece of material (2) into a sleeve-like body (20), with two forming dies (3, 4), at least one of which is configured to be able to move into position against the other one and at least one of the forming dies (3, 4) is pivoted, while the clearance between the two forming dies (3, 4) when they are open is so large that the flat piece of material (2) can be placed between the two forming dies.

Abstract: An in-die hydropiercing device comprises a punch with an annular shearing blade which is operated by a hydraulic cylinder and is received in a ring-shaped die button mounted in one of the dies that form a die cavity for the hydroforming of a part, a center support member that is received in the center of the punch and supports the wall of the part inward of the shearing blade during the hydroforming of the part and also during the piercing of the part with the shearing blade, a slug collector, and a slug retainer that is mounted on the center support member and provides for retention of a slug produced from the piercing operation against the center support member and later releases the slug onto the slug collector for disposal following the opening of the dies and insertion of the slug collector between the open dies and then retraction of the slug collector with the slug for slug disposal.

Abstract: A process for forming a hydroformed automotive component with an integrally formed attachment bracket or weld flange begins with a tubular blank manufactured through a roll-forming process to convert sheet metal into a tubular body portion having excess parent sheet metal material extending past the tube weld joint to define an integrated flange. This integrated flange tubular blank is then placed into a forming die and subjected to a conventional hydroforming manufacturing process to form the automotive component into the desired shape and configuration. One side of the forming die is formed with a slot defining a gap in which the integrated flange material is received to create the weld flange or attachment bracket when the die is closed against the integrated flange material while the hydroforming process is undertaken. Alternatively, the integrated flange material could be welded onto the tubular blank during the formation of the tubular blank.

Abstract: An article for texturing an electrode having a tip hardness and a tip contour is disclosed. The article includes a plate having an upper surface and a lower surface, and an indentation in at least one of the upper and the lower surface. The indentation includes a textured surface having a plurality of asperities. The textured surface has a hardness greater than the tip hardness of the electrode. The texture of the textured surface is imprinted into the tip of the electrode in response to the tip of the electrode and the textured surface being pressed against each other.

Abstract: A backing plate for a friction assembly includes a body having a first surface and a second surface and a thickness defined therebetween. One or more retention members are provided on the first surface for engaging a friction material mounted thereon. Each retention member has an extruded protrusion and an groove. The extruded protrusion has a generally constant width and a free curved distal end. The groove has a bottom wall having an inclined section and a flat section.

Abstract: There is provided a first die, in which a plurality of projections are arrayed in a first direction with a fixed pitch to form at least one array of the projections. Each of the projections is elongated in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first die faces a first face of the plate member. A second die is opposed to the first die while supporting a second face of the plate member. At least one first region is formed on the plate member so as to have a less rigidity than another region of the plate member. The first die and the second die are approached so that the projections are dug into a second region in the first face of the plate member, thereby forming partitioned recesses to be pressure generating chambers of a liquid ejection head. The at least one first region is adjacent to at least one of ends in the first direction of the second region, such that the first region and the second region are arranged in the second direction.

Abstract: Substrate processing apparatus for processing holes accurately positioned in an long film, comprising: work supporting devices for supporting the work; clamping devices for clamping the work onto the work supporting devices; first movement devices for moving the work supporting devices in the transferring direction of the work; guiding devices for guiding the work supporting devices; guide supporting devices for supporting these guiding devices; and second movement devices for moving the guide supporting devices in the direction perpendicular to the transferring direction of the work, wherein two pins or holes are disposed on or in each of the guiding devices, holes or pins to engage with the pins or holes are disposed on or in each of the guide supporting devices to combine the guiding devices and guide supporting devices in a grid form, and the holes and pins at four junctions are fitted.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of monitoring a sensor for sensing the flow speed of a medium. The invention further concerns an apparatus for carrying out that method. In order to be able to monitor the sensor, without providing redundant sensors, the flow speed of the medium, which is specified by the sensor, is correlated with at least one operating parameter of an installation operated with the medium. For that purpose the apparatus according to the invention includes a sensor for detecting the flow speed of a medium, an installation operated with the medium and a correlation device for correlating the flow speed of the medium, which is specified by the sensor, with at least one operating parameter of the installation.

Abstract: Device for calibrating a pressure detector, particularly an infrasonic pressure detector. This device includes measurement means for applying to this detector a reference pressure which varies depending on time and all of whose spectrum components covering a predetermined frequency range are excited simultaneously with one and the same amplitude and a zero phase shift, or a constant delay, relative to each other.

Abstract: In a method for determining the zero-point error of a Coriolis gyro, the resonator of the Coriolis gyro has a disturbance force applied to it such that a change in the stimulation oscillation of the resonator is brought about. A change in the read oscillation of the resonator, caused by a partial component of the disturbance force, is extracted from a read signal which represents the read oscillation of the resonator as a measure of the zero-point error.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method maximizes efficiency and accuracy of measuring an oxygen concentration of a measured gas by varying a flow of oxygen ions within a measuring cell (202) in accordance with an output signal of an oxygen sensor cell (206). The pump current (208) through a pump cell (204) is switched between a constant positive current and a constant negative current when upper and lower thresholds of the output signal are reached. The pulse width ratio of the square wave produced by the varying current is compared to a pulse width ratio function derived from a calibration procedure to determine the oxygen concentration of the measured gas.

Abstract: A gas sensor assembly detects a constituent in a gaseous stream. The assembly comprises: (a) a mounting surface, (b) a sensor mounted on the mounting surface and sensor capable of generating a detectable signal in the presence of the constituent, and (c) an enclosing structure. The enclosing structure comprises: (i) a walled component having a pair of vertically spaced ends and mounted at one end on the mounting surface so as to circumscribe the sensor, and (ii) a gas-permeable membrane attached at the other end of the walled component, thereby defining an interior volume within said enclosing structure. Flowing the gaseous stream across the membrane infuses a portion of the gaseous stream into said interior volume containing the sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the permeability of a circulating band, in particular of a dewatering band in a papermaking machine, having a nozzle from which a measuring fluid flows onto the band. In order to avoid undesired lifting of the nozzle off the band due to pressure peaks, the apparatus according to the present invention has a nozzle which can be pressed onto the circulating band with a constant contact pressure.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for measuring and/or adjusting the cleaning performance of a cleaning liquid. One method of the invention includes determining a control value (i.e., the number of drops of the cleaning liquid to provide a selected volume) indicative of when the cleaning performance of the cleaning liquid is at or approaching an unacceptable level. At least one substrate can be contacted with the cleaning liquid and a drop number for the cleaning liquid (i.e., the number of drops of the cleaning liquid to provide the selected volume) again measured. At least one cleaning agent, such as at least one surfactant, can be added to the cleaning liquid when the measured drop number is at or near the control value. In one embodiment, the cleaning agent can be added until the measured drop number is at or near a baseline drop number for the cleaning liquid (i.e., the number of drops of the cleaning liquid when cleaning performance is acceptable).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring relative humidity of a mixture that provides a quick response time for thermal lag while affording protection to fragile sensors. In one aspect, the invention is a method for calculating the relative humidity of a mixture comprising measuring a chamber relative humidity (RHC) within a chamber enclosing an humidity sensor; measuring a first temperature (TC) within the chamber; measuring a second temperature (TA) separate from said chamber, said second temperature being the temperature of the mixture; and calculating the mixture relative humidity (RHA) based on the chamber relative humidity, a first value representing the first temperature and a second value representing the second temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel scanning-probe type atomic force microscope wherein false deflection of the probe is reduced. The probe of the scanning-probe type atomic force microscope moves in both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction during the scanning, while the sample is kept in order to reduce the false deflection brought to the probe due to the scanning motion, two approaches are adopted. The first is to have a focused laser spot tracking an invariant point on the probe's cantilever, which moves three-dimensionally during the scanning. The second approach is to have the laser beam, which is reflected from the moving cantilever, hitting an invariant point of the PSD, when the sample is distanced from the probe and induces no deflection.

Abstract: A system for performing stroke determination and cylinder determination by using intake pressure as a parameter, in order to provide a stroke determination system for a four stroke cycle engine by which accurate determination can be achieved.

Abstract: An uniformity inspection line 1 comprises a decision-only line 2 having first UF machines 2M exclusive for the measurement of the uniformity of a tire 12 sorted and distributed on an automatic sorting line 21 and a correction-only line 3 having second UF machines 3M for the correction and re-measurement of the uniformity characteristics of a tire having uniformity characteristics outside specific values measured on the above decision-only line 2. Since the measurement of uniformity and the correction and re-measurement of uniformity characteristics are performed in different systems, uniformity inspection can be carried out efficiently even when the number of tires whose uniformity characteristics are to be corrected is varied.

Abstract: A test fixture, test apparatus, and test method utilize a radially cut tire section that is mounted and sealed to a test jig in a airtight manner such that an air chamber is formed between an innerliner surface of the radial tire section and a recessed portion of the jig body such that the tire section may be pressurized on the test jig. A test surface is provided and either the test surface or the test jig is moveable relative to the other to the other to provide a dynamic load to the radial tire sections.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the magnitude of a force acting on a tire are disclosed. Further, a sensor and a tire suitable for use in the system and method are also disclosed. The system comprises: a tire strain sensor mounted on the tire, for detecting a tire strain at the mounted position, and generating data representing tire strain; a sensor locator for locating the sensor on the tire; a memory in which data on the relationship between the tire strain and force acting on the tire at each of measuring points are stored; and a processor computing the magnitude of the force, using the data representing tire strain obtained from the tire strain sensor and the data on the relationship acquired from the memory based on the data on the sensor location obtained from the sensor locator.

Abstract: A tire deflation warning system, including a device for detecting a rotational velocity of a wheel attached to a vehicle and a device for judging a tire pneumatic pressure drop by determining a reduced pressure judging value that judges the tire pneumatic pressure drop made of difference of rotational velocity sum of two pairs of the wheels which are diagonally disposed in the vehicle, correcting the reduced pressure judging value by multiplying a weight coefficient that continuously varies according to the velocity of the vehicle, and comparing the corrected reduced pressure judging value with a threshold value, wherein it is tentatively judged whether or not there is a reduced pressure wheel; and in the case when it is tentatively judged that a driving wheel is being reduced pressure, the reduced pressure judging value is multiplied by the weight coefficient which is larger than in the case when it is tentatively judged that a driven wheel is being reduced pressure.

Abstract: A measurement system (200) is disclosed comprising a Coriolis flow meter (222) and a control system (224). A base fluid (250) is first flowed through the Coriolis flow meter. The Coriolis flow meter measures a density of the base fluid and transmits a base fluid density measurement to the control system. A proppant (252) is then added to the base fluid to create a fracture fluid (202). The fracture fluid is then flowed through the Coriolis flow meter. The Coriolis flow meter measures a density of the fracture fluid and transmits a fracture fluid density measurement to the control system. The control system determines an amount of proppant in the fracture fluid based on the base fluid density measurement, the fracture fluid density measurement, and a density of the proppant.

Abstract: A pressure distribution measurement system for measuring a pressure distribution on a measurement object. A flexible sheet-form pressure detection member includes a plurality of pressure passages extending in parallel and a pressure detection hole opened in each of the pressure passages is affixed to a surface of an outer plate of a main wing W of an airplane. Each of the pressure passages is connected to a pressure measurement device via a pressure pipeline. Because the pressure detection hole is opened in the pressure detection member, that is, the pressure detection hole is not required to be opened in the outer plate of the main wing, the outer plate is not damaged. Further, because the flexible sheet-form pressure detection member conforms well to the three dimensionally curved surface of the outer plate and has a small thickness, the airflow is hardly disturbed at all, thereby enhancing pressure distribution measurement accuracy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a precipitation detector (1) and method for measurement of precipitation parameters. The detector (1) includes a frame (5), a surface (2) mounted on the frame (5) and adapted to receive hydrometeors, and detection means (3) for converting the impact impulses of hydrometeors into an electric signal. According to the invention, the surface (2) receiving the impact of the hydrometeors is convex, stiff and rigidly connected to the detector frame (4) with the detection means (3) being permanently connected to the surface (2) receiving the impact of the hydrometeors.

Abstract: A thermal sensor includes a die having a surface formed to accept the outer surface of tubing; a molded plastic part located on the die surface, said molded plastic part including flexible portions having a surface adapted to engage the bottom half of the circumference of standard tubing when the tubing is fully placed in the molded plastic part; conductive material selectively patterned on the surface of the flexible portions that engages the die surface; and retaining hardware adapted to secure the tubing against the molded plastic part and flexible portions when the retaining hardware is secured to the molded plastic part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a level meter for metering the level of a filling substance in a container by means of electromagnetic signals that are guided into and out of the container along a waveguide. The inventive level meter guarantees a high tightness even at large temperature variations at the point of measurement or under great pressure or tensile forces acting upon the waveguide. The inventive level meter comprises at least one waveguide that projects into the container, guides the signals into the container and guides the signals reflected by the surface of the filing substance out of the container and is fixed in a housing mounted on the container. An elastic molded element that is clamped parallel to a longitudinal axis of the waveguide sealingly rests against the housing and the waveguide and adjoins a recess that encloses the waveguide.

Abstract: A tank level monitoring system is provided. The system comprises a monitor and a data center. The monitor is operatively connected to the tank to periodically monitor a level of product stored in the tank. The monitor includes a user-defined reporting schedule programmed therein. The data center is in communication with the monitor via a data channel. The monitor transmits level measurement information to the data center over the communication channel based on the user-defined reporting schedule.

Abstract: The detecting system comprises a detecting circuit (1) made up of a transistor (T1) in current generator configuration, connected in series with a resistance (Rs) and a capacitor (13) of known capacitance (Cx), the resistance Rs representing the resistivity of the liquid existing between two electrodes (5, 6) plunged into the liquid. Thanks to the presence of the capacitor (13), it is possible to detect the liquid level in relation to the integral of the current that charges the capacitor (13), resistance Rs being such as to condition the charge time (Tp) of the capacitor (13). Accordingly, the variations in the voltage drop (Vp) on Rs caused by successive charges of the capacitor (13) with a current of time Tp represent corresponding values of the level of the liquid.

Abstract: A fluid level sensor probe is provided. The fluid level sensor probe includes a housing, a first and second electrode, and an electric circuit. The first electrode is located on a first surface of the housing. A second surface of the housing is located adjacent the first surface and forms an angle with the second surface of about 90° or less. The first and second electrode are substantially flush with the housing. Further, the size of the first surface and angle between the first and second surface is configured to prevent a contiguous fluid droplet from forming across the first and second electrode.

Abstract: In a device (3) for fastening balancing weights to rotors (2) with a plurality of compensation planes, in particular to propeller shafts or Cardan shafts, preferably in a balancing machine (1) that includes at least one gripper-like device which can be positioned along the rotor axis, and with which a balancing weight is placed on the external periphery of the rotor (2) and can be fastened there, the gripper-like device (5) includes plural receivers for receiving a plurality of the balancing weights.

Abstract: An angular velocity detector includes an angular velocity detecting element having a vibrating body arranged in a base substrate to be vibrated on a surface horizontal with respect to the base substrate. The angular velocity detecting element detects an angular velocity around an axis perpendicular to the base substrate based on a vibration of the vibrating body. In the angular velocity detector, a circuit substrate is bonded to a first surface of the base substrate through an adhesive, and a second surface of the angular velocity detecting element is electrically connected to the circuit substrate through a bonding wire. Furthermore, the adhesive is partially arranged on the first surface of the base substrate at least at a portion corresponding to a bonding portion of the bonding wire on the second surface of the base substrate. Therefore, a wire bonding can be easily accurately performed.

Abstract: A semiconductor acceleration sensor in which a reduction in size can be achieved when electrodes are formed in a chip main body and acceleration can be measured with good sensitivity. The semiconductor acceleration sensor comprises a weight section, flexible sections which support the weight section and have measurement elements P, and a chip main body which has a front surface having chip electrodes electrically connected with the measurement elements, and support the flexible sections, wherein an additional weight, which has an inclined face which surrounds a bonding section and decreases its size toward the bonding section, is bonded on the front surface of the weight section.

Abstract: A device for detecting a resonant frequency comprises a sound source, a switch, a mixer, and a sound meter. The switch and mixer are capable of switching between a first state in which the switch and mixer output a measurement signal and a second state in which the switch and mixer output a synthesized signal containing the measurement signal and the signal output from a microphone. The device detects the resonant frequency based on comparison between the first amplitude frequency characteristic measured in the first state and the second amplitude frequency characteristic measured in the second state.

Abstract: A hat stringer inspection device permits continuous inspection of hat stringers as one or more probes are moved along the length of the hat stringer. Probes may be magnetically coupled to opposing surfaces of the structure, including, for example, where one of the probes is positioned inside the hat stringer and the probes are magnetically coupled across the surface of the hat stringer. The device may be autonomous with a feedback-controlled motor to drive the inspection device along the hat stringer. Magnetic coupling is also used to re-orient the position and/or alignment of the probes with respect to changes in the hat stringer or shapes, sizes, and configurations of hat stingers.

Abstract: An improved ultrasound probe includes a support member, a signal cable having a plurality of electrically conductive members and an ultrasound transducer array. Distal end portions of each of the conductive members may be separately embodied within and extend through the support member to a first side thereof. In turn, the ultrasound transducer array may be supportably mounted to the first side of the support member, wherein transducer elements comprising the ultrasound transducer array are electrically interconnected to different ones of the electrically conductive members. The support member preferably includes an acoustic dampening material. In one embodiment, the ultrasound transducer array may be defined by a piezoelectric layer having electrically conductive signal and ground layers on opposing sides thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for protecting an acoustic liner having a perforated facesheet from water leakage during a through-transmission ultrasonic (TTU) inspection using an ultrasonic squirter system. The apparatus comprises a repositionable mask that covers the openings in the perforated facesheet. The repositionable mask is comprised of a pressure sensitive adhesive that adheres to the surface of the perforated facesheet. The repositionable mask can be removed after completing a TTU inspection and can be reused for subsequent TTU tests with minimal adverse effects on the mask or on the facesheet. For ease in handling, the repositionable mask may be configured with a semi-rigid backing carrier.

Abstract: For minimizing the span error of a pressure sensor having an essentially cylindrical platform and a measuring membrane joined to an end face of the platform, with the pressure measuring cell being axially clamped between an elastic sealing ring, which bears against the membrane-bearing end face of the pressure measuring cell, and a support ring, which bears against the rear face of the pressure measuring cell, the dimensions of the support ring are coordinated with the dimensions of the sealing ring and pressure measuring cell such that a radial deformation of the membrane-bearing end face caused by the axial clamping of the pressure measuring cell is sufficiently small that the span error of the pressure sensor arising from a reduction of the axial clamping force by at least 10% amounts to not more than about 0.02%. Additionally, arranged between the support ring and a clamping ring is a stiff decoupling element, which minimizes the temperature hysteresis of the span.

Abstract: In a resistively heated heat-loss pressure gauge, electrical current is switched between a sensing element and a compensating element at different duty cycles. As a result, the sensing element is heated relative to the compensating element. A fixed resistance is placed in series with at least the compensating element. The current source applies current to heat the sensing element to a temperature at which the resistance of the sensing element matches the combined resistance of the compensating element and the fixed resistive element.