Abstract: In a method for producing nitrogen by cryogenic distillation, air containing carbon monoxide is sent to a cryogenic distillation column (5), a flow D of nitrogen is taken from the top of the distillation column, with a CO content less than a fixed value S1, and a flow of nitrogen-rich cryogenic liquid coming from an external source (7) is sent to the top of the column, the flow rate of cryogenic liquid sent to the column being less than a value V if the CO content in the air does not exceed a previously defined threshold (S0), and the flow rate of cryogenic liquid sent to the column being greater than a value V if the carbon monoxide content of the air exceeds this previously defined threshold (S0).

Abstract: A necklace with plastic hand having a fresh scent compartment includes a 36 inch nylon lanyard necklace made to go around the user's neck; plus a refillable new plastic hand device with two circular plastic hang tabs assembled together and attached onto the palm area. The new plastic hand device is for storing a fresh scent liquid-gel hand sanitizer inside, so now any user of a new liquid-gel hand sanitizer has an easier way to try to keep their own personal hands cleaner and well sanitized from today's germs and viruses. Finally, the new nylon lanyard necklace w/swivel hook is fastened onto of the circular plastic hang tab assembly on the new plastic hand device to form a new compartment. In addition, the new plastic hand device has a screw on 15 mm snap-top cap with valve for releasing the liquid-gel hand sanitizer from the new plastic hand device into a user's hands for sanitizing.

Abstract: A bracelet with links articulated to each other like a hinge, includes first links provided with a male hinge part pierced by a first through hole, second links provided with a female hinge part pierced by second and third through hole, the first, second and third holes forming an alignment when a male hinge part is engaged in a female hinge part. The bracelet further includes pins occupying the hole alignments, and axial locking elements for the pins formed of a first radially elastic tube and a second tube, axially locked in the first through holes, the pins being driven inside the first slit tubes. The first and second tubes include an annular end via which the tubes are secured to each other so as to preserve the radial elasticity of the first tube.

Abstract: A ring comprising a first fabric layer; a second fabric layer circumscribing the first fabric layer and a rigid member disposed between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer. The ring being manufactured by providing a sheet of fabric, folding a first panel about a fold line towards a center of the sheet and folding a second panel along a second fold line towards the sheet such that the first panel and second panel are in abutting relationship once folded to create a seam. A rigid member is placed along the seam. The panel is folded about the seam so as to sandwich the rigid member between the first panel and second panel. Heat is applied to the entire structure to bond the first panel to the second panel. A first end of the panel is affixed to a second end of the panel to form a ring. The ring is placed about a hot cylindrical surface and then removed to harden.

Abstract: A reduced-sized replica of an original certificate commemorating a significant event or achievement is disposed on a wearable or transportable personal item, such as an article of jewelry or personal accessory. The replica may be printed or engraved directly on the personal item or on a tag that is then affixed to the personal item or personal accessory.

Abstract: Unit for the surface treatment of flat glass, in particular in the form of a ribbon or a sheet, especially by modifying the chemical, optical or mechanical properties, or the deposition of one or more thin films, comprising heating and cooling means for creating a controlled temperature gradient through the thickness of the glass, means for heating that face to be treated, in order for it to always be at the required temperatures and for the times necessary for obtaining effective treatments of the surface thereof and means for cooling the opposite face in order for this opposite face to have a viscosity of between 1013 dPa·s and 2.3×1010 dPa·s.

Abstract: Lithium silicate materials are described which can be easily processed by machining to dental products without undue wear of the tools and which subsequently can be converted into lithium silicate products showing high strength.

Abstract: A glassware forming machine includes a machine section box having a cooling air outlet opening, at least one mold-carrying arm disposed above the section box and movable between mold-open and mold-closed positions, and means for delivering cooling air from the outlet opening to the mold arms. The machine in accordance with this aspect of the disclosure is characterized in that the means for delivering cooling air includes a valve plate mounted on the section box to pivot around an axis and having a valve plate opening that registers with the outlet opening in the section box. A pressure plate is mounted on the mold-carrying arm overlying the valve plate and has a pressure plate opening that registers with the valve plate opening.

Abstract: A multi-nozzle type burner is used for producing a porous glass preform, the burner having small variations in deposition efficiency with the burner tip being not burned even when axial shift occurs at the concentric multi-tube part of the burner. The present invention provides a burner for producing a porous glass preform with a concentric multi-tube structure, comprising a glass material gas jet port in a center, a plurality of gas jet ports concentrically disposed outside the glass material gas jet port, and small-diameter gas jet ports which are disposed in a line or a plurality of lines concentrically to the glass material gas jet port so as to be enclosed in one of the gas jet ports other than the gas jet ports in the center and at an outermost side, the small-diameter gas jet ports in the same line having an identical focal length.

Abstract: The present invention provides a burner for manufacturing a porous glass preform, which is provided with a combustible gas injection port involving a plurality of small-diameter supporting gas injection ports such that the injection ports of the same row have the equal focal distance, the small-diameter supporting gas injection ports being arranged on the outside of a glass source gas injection port in the center so as to be in a row or in a plurality of rows and concentric with the glass source gas injection port, wherein the small-diameter supporting gas injection ports are bent toward the burner center axis at predetermined positions from the tip ends of the small-diameter supporting gas injection ports so that the focal points of the small-diameter supporting gas injection ports of the same row agree with each other, and the bend angle of the small-diameter supporting gas injection port row closest to the glass source gas injection port in the center of the small-diameter supporting gas injection port row

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention relate to glass fiber forming bushings, to methods of controlling the temperature of bushings having multiple segments, to systems of controlling the temperature of bushings having multiple segments, and to other systems and methods. In one embodiment, a method of controlling the temperature of a bushing having multiple segments comprises forming a plurality of filaments from a bushing comprising at least two segments, gathering the filaments into at least two ends, measuring the size of each of the at least two ends, comparing the measured size of the at least two ends to a desired end size, adjusting the amount of current passing through the at least two bushing segments in response to the end size comparisons.

Abstract: A remote lock mechanism for a handcuff allows the unlocking of the handcuff by insertion of the key in the remote lock mechanism. The remote lock mechanism is located adjacent the pivot connecting the movable jaw of the handcuff to the fixed jaw and, thus, can be operated when the handcuffs are used to restrain a person without the officer's hands being placed between the wrists of the person being restrained. The motion corresponding to the rotation of the key in the remote lock mechanism is transferred to the handcuff lock mechanism to retract the ratchet pawl away from the movable jaw of the handcuff. In one embodiment, the remote lock mechanism utilizes a tumbler that causes opposing rotation of the conventional lock mechanism to first release the double lock mechanism and then retract the ratchet pawl with opposing rotations of the key in the remote lock mechanism.

Abstract: An electric door lock including: a lock housing; an operating member having a holding part and a shaft part, the shaft part able to be placed in the lock housing, the shaft part connected to the holding part, the holding part defined as a long axis; a cog wheel able to be placed in the lock housing, the cog wheel having at least one bump; a coupling plate installed on the shaft part of the operating member, the coupling plate having at least one bulge and one protruding part, with the protruding part and the long axis of the holding part designed to move in alignment with each other; a motor placed in the lock housing; three sensor switches set separately in the lock housing; operating the motor causing the bump of the cog wheel to rotate and push the bulge of the coupling plate, so that the protruding part of the coupling plate of the electric door lock installed in the required position on a left-hand door or right-hand door, selectively touches the two sensor switches adjacent to each other, so as to reach

Abstract: A safety switch for generating a system enable signal depending on the position of a movable guard door which is used for safeguarding a hazardous area of a machine installation. At least one part of the machine installation can only be operated when the system enable signal is present. The safety switch has a door part to be fastened to the movable guard door and a frame part to be fastened to a mating door piece. The safety switch also has a bolt which can be moved between a first position and a second position, a recess in which the bolt can engage in the second position, and a locking element designed to block the bolt in the second position. In addition, the safety switch comprises a first position sensor designed to clearly detect at least one of the positions of the bolt in order to generate the system enable signal. Moreover, the safety switch comprises a door release request unit configured to generate a door release request signal in addition to the system enable signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock having the locking elements lock catch and pawl (1) and having a lock mechanism (2), it being possible for the lock mechanism (2) to be moved into different functional states such as “unlocked”, “locked”, “anti-theft locked” or “child-safety locked” and with said lock mechanism (2), for this purpose, having at least one functional element (3) which can be adjusted into corresponding functional positions. The invention proposes mounting the functional element (3) in a subregion, in particular an end region, of the functional element (3) by means of a bearing arrangement (3a) such that the rest of the functional element (3) can be adjusted both in the lateral direction and in the vertical direction, in each case substantially perpendicular to its longitudinal extent, in relation to a reference plane (R) in any case.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary lock cylinder including a blocking element that engages into the rotor in a closed position while releasing the rotor in an open position. An actuator can be controlled in accordance with data located on the key. In order to displace the blocking element from the closed position into the open position, a latch element is provided which can be moved along with the key. The blocking element can be attached by means of the actuator. The energy required for moving the blocking element is supplied by the user when introducing the key into the key duct such that the load on the power source used for actuating the actuator is minimal.

Abstract: A lock has a body (10) holding a locking member (11) that can be locked to or released from the body (10) by, for example, operation of a key (21). The lock includes an alarm (25) that is triggered by the locking of the locking member (11). If, however, the lock is unlocked and relocked within a predetermined time interval, the alarm (25) is disarmed. In this way, the lock can remain locked but with the alarm (25) disarmed. The signals that cause the alarm (25) to arm and disarm can be produced in any convenient way.

Abstract: The invention relates to a key, in particular for an automobile, which comprises:—a casing (3) with an upper half shell (3a) defining a lid and a lower half shell (3b) defining a casing bottom;—an insert (5, 7) pivotally mounted relative to the casing (3) and capable of movement between a rest position in which the insert (5, 7) is stowed in said casing (3) and a use position in which the insert (5, 7) is extended relative to said casing (3);—an insert (5, 7) extension device mounted in the casing (3) and including: a push button (19) axially received in a cavity (21) combined with the upper half shell (3a) and protruding from the upper half shell (3a) so as to be actuated by a user; and an elastic return member (23) for the insert (5, 7), having a first end (23a) connected to the insert (5, 7) for pivotally urging the insert (5, 7) into the use position when the push button (19) is actuated.

Abstract: A programmable lock cylinder assembly including a lock housing and a cylinder plug including a keyway extending therein. At least one locking member is moveable in the cylinder plug between a locked position wherein the cylinder plug is rotationally locked relative to the housing and an unlocked position wherein the cylinder plug is rotational relative to the housing. A plurality of pin sets are positioned in the cylinder plug. Each pin set includes a keyway pin component and a locking pin component and is positioned such that a portion of each keyway pin component extends across the keyway. The pin components are selectively engagable. A re-combinating member is engaged with one of the components of each pin set and is moveable between a first position wherein the keyway pin components are engaged with the locking pin components and a second position wherein the keyway pin components are disengaged from the locking pin components.

Abstract: The invention is a method of composting using bags to aerate organic matter.

Abstract: A water-dispersible particle for delivery of fertilizer to a plant is disclosed. After delivery wetting of the particles causes particle dispersion so as to prevent secondary pick up to the particles. Methods for making and using the water-dispersible particle are described.

Abstract: A method of producing reduced volatility of urea fertilizers comprising: dissolving N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) in an amino alcohol having the formula 1—(H)x—N—((CH2)m—OH)n where m is 1-3, x is 0 or 1, and n is 2 when x is 1 and 3 when x is 0: or the formula 2—(H)y—N—((CH2)—CHOH—CH3)z such that the length of the carbon chain where the secondary hydroxyl group is located is 3, y is 0 or 1, and z is 2 when y is 1 and 3 when y is 0 to form an NBPT solution; and combining a urea fertilizer in granular or liquid form with the NBPT solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (100) for positioning a tool (21) in a profile rolling machine, comprising a base (10) and at least one spindle (30) extending in a first bore (17) of the base as abutment for the tool (21). A retraction rod (25) serves as connection between the base and the tool (21). A tractive force for the retraction rod (25) is generated by an actuator (50) and the tool is pulled by the retraction rod (25) against a tool stop (23). The first bore (17) is locally expanded to form a cylinder chamber (12). A piston (40) is mounted in an axially displaceable manner in the chamber (12). A pressure medium (M) is introduced via a pressure connection (46) into the base (10) into the cylinder chamber (12) between the base and the piston (40) for applying a force (F1) on the piston (40).

Abstract: The invention pertains to a roll arrangement (1, 101, 201), especially a roll arrangement of the work rolls (2, 3, 102, 103, 202, 203) of a rolling stand, which can be shifted in the axial direction by adjusting means (4, 104, 204), where the adjusting means (4, 104, 204) comprise at least one hydraulic cylinder (5, 6, 105, 106, 205), which controls the axial shiftability of the rolls, where the hydraulic cylinder is arranged in a frame, which is stationary or adjustable.

Abstract: An adjustment device and method to guide a metal product along a determinate nominal rolling axis. The device comprises a central body disposed astride the rolling axis, two guide units mounted movable on the central body, opposite each other with respect to the rolling axis and each provided with at least a guide roller for the metal product, and an adjustment mechanism mounted on the central body and operatively connected to both the guide units, in order to actuate the selective movement thereof with respect to the central body at least in an approach toward the rolling axis. The adjustment mechanism comprises a system of pantograph levers having two levers pivoted to each other and to the central body in correspondence to the rolling axis by means of a pin, and first constraint means disposed on each lever on opposite sides to the pin, so as to connect each lever to both the guide units.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a cable bolt includes a rotatably driven pay-out reel (20) for paying out a cable (1) coiled in use about the pay-out reel (20). An upstream accumulator (40) is located downstream of the pay-out reel (20) for accumulating cable (1) advanced from the pay-out reel (20). A bulb forming device (80) is located downstream of the upstream accumulator (40), for forming a bulb (2) in cable (1) advanced from the upstream accumulator (40). A cable drive (60) is located downstream of the upstream accumulator (40), for advancing cable (1) through the bulb forming device (80). The pay-out reel (20) is configured to rotate at least substantially continuously whilst the cable drive (60) is configured to advance the cable (1) after formation of each bulb (2) to a position for formation of a subsequent bulb (2) in the cable.

Abstract: An improved compound leverage hand seamer with removable blades. The hand seamer includes a pair of pivotably connected handles and a pair of pivotably connected seamer heads. Each of the seamer heads is connected to one of the handles at a first end and terminates at a second end in a substantially planar head segment having a flat, inwardly-facing mounting surface. A substantially planar, rectangular blade is removably mounted to the mounting surface of each of the seamer heads in a flatly abutting relationship therewith by a pair of threaded fasteners that engage threaded mounting holes in the blades and in the seamer heads. The blades can be conveniently removed and replaced if they become worn or damaged, or if user wishes, to install smaller or larger blades on the hand seamer.

Abstract: There is provided a forging die holder including a resistance heater capable of efficiently heating a die via the die holder when warm forging or hot forging is performed. A die holder is for holding a die used in a forging press for performing warm forging or hot forging. The die holder has heater mounting holes into which resistance heaters are inserted, sensor mounting holes into which temperature sensors are inserted, and guide portions disposed on both end portions of holder surfaces of holders for supporting back surfaces of the foregoing die to support side surfaces of the foregoing die located therebetween on both sides thereof. The heater mounting holes are formed at positions opposing the holder surfaces in aligned relation with the side surfaces of the foregoing die.

Abstract: A pipe bending machine has a beam mounted in see-saw pivotal relation on a fulcrum and spaced apart cradles support the pipe. An actuator initially drives the second cradle and the beam apart to pivot the pipe about the first cradle until the pipe is in contact with the die and thereafter drives the beam away from the second cradle to bend the pipe against the die. The mechanical advantage of the levered operation requires only a single actuator motion to bend the pipe. An external mandrel allows the pipe to be incrementally fed through the bending machine and secures the pipe against cross-sectional distortion during the bending process.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for assessing interface integrity between a medium and an implant. A first signal is translated from a motion of an impact body during impact with an abutment connected to the implant. In some embodiments, the first signal is filtered using a zero phase shift filter and then used for assessing the interface integrity. Since no phase shift is introduced, the interface integrity is accurately assessed. In another embodiment, the apparatus maintains a system model for impacting the impact body against the abutment. The apparatus analytically determines an interface property by applying a system property that has been determined to the system model. An accurate system model allows for an accurate assessment. According to another broad aspect, there is provided a method of conducting the impact test. According to the method, a person ensures that the impact body impacts against a consistent portion of the abutment.

Abstract: Descriptions are provided for implementing flowmeter zero checking techniques. In operating a flowmeter, it may be the case that, even if previously calibrated, the flowmeter will produce erroneous measurements, e.g., will indicate a non-zero flow during a period of zero flow. Therefore, zero checking features are provided that allow for fast and accurate determinations of the zero-flow values, for use in adjusting later measurements. The zero-checking features include a button attached to an exterior of a flowmeter, so that it is easily accessible to an operator of the flowmeter. The button, in conjunction with an internal zero checking system, allows for a display of a zero value in response to a request from the operator of the flowmeter.

Abstract: In a gyroscopic system comprising at least four vibratory gyroscopes, a first measurement is provided by said vibratory gyroscope to be calibrated, and a second measurement is provided by a combination of the measurements from the other vibratory gyroscopes of the system. At the level of the vibratory gyroscope to be calibrated, an initial command is applied in order to command a change in position from a first vibration position (?1) to a second vibration position (?2). A calibrated scale factor value of the vibratory gyroscope to be calibrated is then determined on the basis of a calculated value in relation to the change in position, based on the period of time during which the initial command is applied, the initial command, an angular difference between the first and second vibration positions measured according to the first measurement and an angular difference between the first and second vibration positions measured according to the second measurement.

Abstract: A gas sensor is capable of detecting a concentration of PM contained in an exhaust gas emitted from a diesel engine. The gas sensor is comprised of a ceramic substrate and detection parts which are formed on the ceramic substrate with resistance parts. A resistance value of each of the resistance parts is changed on the basis of the quantity of conductive particulate matter captured by and accumulated on the detection parts. The detection parts have a different detection range. A part of the detection range of each of the detection parts is overlapped together. The concentration of PM contained in the target detection gas is detected on the basis of the change of the resistance value of the resistance parts.

Abstract: A method of detection of a volatile compound in a gaseous atmosphere comprises irradiating a semiconducting metal oxide material with ultraviolet light, exposing the irradiated material to the gaseous atmosphere and determining the presence of any volatile compound in the atmosphere by monitoring a change in electrical conductivity of the material. The method can detect non-polar organic compounds as well as polar compounds. Zinc oxide particles in the nanometre size range are preferred. The method may be used for medical diagnosis or for environment monitoring purposes.

Abstract: The disclosure describes embodiments of an apparatus including a first gas chromatograph including a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a first temperature control. A controller is coupled to the first temperature control and includes logic to apply a first temperature profile to the first temperature control to heat, cool, or both heat and cool the first gas chromatograph. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method and capacitive sensor for counting aerosol nanoparticles in an electric way. Aerosol particles, onto which a fluid was applied in an earlier process by known methods, change the capacitance of the dielectric of the capacitor when entering its field, which causes an electric signal. The method provides for detection of aerosol particles in a wide scope of their presence in the air and is not specific for any shape or chemical composition of nanoparticles.

Abstract: A novel method of manufacturing a hydrogen sensor is disclosed. The method includes the steps of forming a thin film made of a transition metal or an alloy thereof on a surface of an elastic substrate, and forming a plurality of nanogaps in the thin film formed on the surface of the elastic substrate by applying a tensile force to the elastic substrate. The nanogaps are formed as the thin film is stretched in a direction in which the tensile force acts while being contracted in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the tensile force acts when the tensile force is applied, and is contracted again in the direction in which the tensile force is released while being stretched again in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the tensile force is released when the tensile force is released.

Abstract: A gas sensor unit including: a gas sensor which includes a gas detection element, a sensor terminal and a cylindrical surrounding body which surrounds a periphery of the rear end of the sensor terminal; and a sensor cap. The sensor cap includes a cap terminal and a cap body which has an insertion hole surrounding a part of the rear end of the surrounding body. The cap body is formed of a resin, and a cap body seal surrounding the surrounding body is fitted into the insertion hole. The cap body includes a rear end seal pressing portion that contacts a rear end side surface of the cap body seal; and a leading end seal pressing portion that contacts a leading end side surface of the cap body seal, which holds the cap body seal.

Abstract: A device for measuring the water permeability of a material (2) moving along a determinate travelling direction (D) is provided with a nozzle (5), through which a determined water flow (Pu) flows for impinging a surface portion (9) of the material (2); and with first and second reading heads (6a, ?b) of a parameter indicative of the quantity of water present in the material (2) arranged upstream and downstream of the nozzle (5) along the travelling direction (D) of the material (2), respectively.

Abstract: A device indicates the location of an air leak in a vacuum bag used to process composite parts. The device includes a layer of material on the inner face of the bag that changes in appearance due to an oxidation-reduction reaction in areas of the layer exposed to oxygen caused by a leak in the bag.

Abstract: This machine comprises a central body (1), un piston (3) compressing the liquid contained in a liner (2), and a peripheral bladder (18) capable of uniformly applying pressure to a tube (21) immediately surrounding this bladder. Pressure can be applied in a simple manner through a tensile and compression testing machine (22, 23). No end effect that could disturb the test is produced on the tube.

Abstract: A water detection system in a fuel delivery system of an engine that helps to limit the occurrence of water related corrosion or damage to various engine components by detecting if a fuel supply has a high level of water content, and providing a notice that appropriate action should be taken. The system includes a fuel filtration module, a water sensor to sense high water content of a fuel supply, and a control device connected to the water sensor and receiving inputs therefrom relating to the water sensed by the sensor. The system also includes an indication source connected to the control device for communicating that a problem with the fuel exists if high water content is detected.

Abstract: The present invention features devices and methods of making such devices for performing liquid chromatography having at least one wetted surface having a composition of a polysilazane.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for nucleating bubbles in an oil-gas mixture, including introducing a sample comprising an oil-gas mixture into a chamber; and heating the sample with a heater until at least one bubble is thermally nucleated in the chamber. The bubble point (BP) pressure of the sample can be determined by detecting pressure at two points in a system, which includes the chamber and the heater, and by determining the behavior of the nucleated bubble as the pressure on the bubble is varied.

Abstract: A cuvette (10) for storing a biological sample to be analyzed by means of a predefined detection technique is disclosed. The cuvette (10) is formed from a moldable material that contains particles (15a, 15b) at a concentration within a predefined range. The particles (15a, 15b) are randomly distributed, in order to form a unique pattern. Moreover, the particles (15a, 15b) have measurable physical properties, so that the unique pattern is detectable using the detection technique that is used to analyze the biological sample. The unique properties obtained by the randomly distributed particles (15a, 15b) render copying nearly impossible, since it is more complicated to distribute the particles in a predetermined pattern than to let them distribute randomly.

Abstract: A corrosion sensor may include a sensor body, a chloride probe held in the sensor body, a pH probe held in the sensor body, a reference electrode for the chloride probe and the pH probe held in the sensor body, a multiple array sensor held in the sensor body and a resistivity probe held in the sensor body. A method of measuring corrosion in a reinforced concrete structure may include inserting a corrosion sensor into a reinforced concrete structure and monitoring chloride ions with the chloride probe, pH with the pH probe, localized concrete resistivity with the resistivity probe and corrosion current density with the multiple array sensor.

Abstract: A method for detecting resonance in a rotor shaft of a turbine engine, the resonance frequency (Fr) of the said rotor shaft belonging to a resonance band centred on an estimated resonance frequency (Frest), a method in which: a parameter (P) for regulating the fuel of the turbine engine is measured to obtain an excitation signal; a spectrum of the excitation signal is formed; the amplitude of the excitation signal is compared with a resonance threshold (S) on the resonance band of the said spectrum; and a resonance detection alarm is emitted if the resonance threshold (S) is exceeded.

Abstract: A method for checking the functionality of at least one injector (10) of an internal combustion engine (8), in which at least the functionality of a lambda sensor (12), which is designed to ascertain a state of the at least one injector (10) is checked, a steady-state operating condition of the internal combustion engine (8) being set, and a check being performed as to whether at least one signal of the lambda sensor (12) is stable for the set operating condition. Depending on whether the signal of the lambda sensor (12) is stable, a lambda value for the at least one injection valve (10) is measured using the lambda sensor (12) at the set operating condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a subsea apparatus for testing a hydraulic signature which has a fluid supply, a first pressure line coupled to the fluid supply, a second pressure line coupled to the fluid supply; and a pressure recording device operatively coupled to both the first pressure line and the second pressure line. A pressure recording device is capable of storing pre-determined pressure data representative of said pressure lines. The first pressure line functions at a lower pressure than the second pressure line while a pressure recording device records data to allow comparison of actual pressure data on the first and second pressure lines with said stored data.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for monitoring tropical storm conditions includes determining a target sea-surface path relative to a tropical storm center where in situ measurements are desired. A buoy is configured to include one or more sensors for one or more in situ measurements and to move relative to a local wind in the tropical storm so as to approximately follow the target sea surface path. The buoy is deployed in the tropical storm at a location substantively on the target sea surface path. In some embodiments, a buoy includes means for automatically maintaining position near a sea surface, moving at a particular direction and a particular speed relative to a local wind, measuring one or more environmental conditions in a vicinity of the buoy, and sending, to a remote facility, observation data based on output from the means for measuring one or more conditions.