Abstract: A nozzle condition monitor for detecting the adequacy of the flow through a fertilizer application nozzle. The monitor comprises a nonmagnetic housing having an up-right passage. Within the passage, a magnetic piston is arranged as the flow may take place along the sides of the piston. Stoppers are arranged to restrict travel of the piston. A magnetic switch is arranged near one end of the up-right passage to be closed when the piston is moved against the stop at that end. Means for detecting the condition of the magnetic switch generate a signal indicative of the adequacy of the flow through the nozzle and therefore the condition of the nozzle.

Abstract: A flow detector including an orifice for forming a vena contracta to activate a connected pressure detector so as to trigger an alarm mechanism upon the occurrence of disconnect of the patient exhalation valve in a mechanical ventilator system. A configuration of the flow detector makes erroneous hookup of the ventilator and pressure detector hoses all but impossible.

Abstract: A method for detecting the flow instability in steam generators is provided. First, a number of limit values on the differential pressure between the water-side inlet and outlet of the steam generator are determined at different feedwater flow rates. The limit values define the onset of the flow instability. By connecting the thus determined limit values, a boundary line defining the occurrence of the flow instability is obtained. Second, it is checked whether the measured differential pressure between the inlet and outlet at an actual feedwater flow rate is above or below the boundary line so as to determine if the flow instability has occurred or not in the steam generator. An apparatus for accomplishing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A delta-P transmitter generating a signal corresponding to the differential pressure produced by a primary element installed in a conduit through which a fluid flows, comprising the primary element and a transducer implanted in the primary element to generate a signal corresponding to the differential pressure with which may be combined the signals generated by a temperature transducer and/or an absolute pressure transducer to generate an output signal corresponding to the weight or mass rate of fluid flow.

Abstract: An overpressure device is disclosed for use in a liquid infusion set for the purpose of detecting excessive pressures which may occur during infusion. The device comprises a tubular member with an inlet and an outlet, a closed pressure chamber and a bridging portion containing a small bore passage which connects the pressure chamber with the tubular member. In a preferred form, the interconnecting passage takes a tortuous path. An optical sensor positioned on the pressure chamber will detect the presence of liquid at a predetermined position in the chamber, when the liquid rises as a result of excessive pressure in the set, and respond by stopping the flow of liquid in the set.

Abstract: A control and monitoring system for an oxygen generation device having a plurality of chemical oxygen generation elements sequentially decomposed to continuously generate oxygen.

Abstract: In anesthesia apparatus for supplying oxygen and an anesthesia gas through respective flow control valves to a patient breathing circuit a low oxygen flow alarm system is provided. The alarm system includes a restrictor in the pipeline of the oxygen flow control valve and a restrictor in the pipeline of the anesthesia gas flow control valve. A differential pressure sensing unit including a diaphragm assembly responsive to the pressure in the oxygen pipeline and another diaphragm assembly responsive to the pressure in the anesthesia gas pipeline is coupled to the restrictor pipelines. The diaphragm assemblies are opposed to each other and coupled together by a displaceable linkage. Electrical switch means are provided coupled to the linkage to provide an alarm signal when the linkage has been moved to a predetermined position indicating that the oxygen concentration has dropped below a predetermined value. The differential pressure sensing unit includes spring biasing means.

Abstract: A system for warning an operator when the vacuum in a system, such as a diesel engine air intake system, exceeds a predetermined maximum because of clogging of the air cleaner or other reasons, and when the vacuum falls below a predetermined minimum value indicating loss of air cleaning action as, e.g., because of damage to the air cleaner or because of a hole or leak in the air intake system. The system includes a vacuum gauge having spaced, adjustable electrical contacts, an electrically conductive indicator movable between the contacts, and means responsive to the change in air intake system vacuum to move the indicator; and an electrical circuit having one or more visual or audible warning signal devices. The electrical contacts are connected to the circuit and the indicator is electrically grounded such that when the indicator engages one or the other of the electrical contacts on an unacceptable rise or loss of vacuum, respectively, it closes the circuit to actuate the warning signal device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring fluid flow through a drilling string in order to detect a wash-out or a restriction. The apparatus includes circuitry for sensing the rate of pumping of a fluid, circuitry for sensing the pressure of the fluid being pumped, a function generator to process a pressure signal and a pump rate signal and generate a fluid flow indication signal, circuitry to actuate an alarm, and an alarm. The method includes sensing the pumping rate, sensing the pressure, and generating a fluid flow indication signal that gives an indication of the relationship between the pumping rate and pressure.

Abstract: A gas flow indicator including an open-ended cylinder, a piston constrained within the cylinder to move between the ends thereof, and a reed switch positioned on the outside of the cylinder for responding to the position of a magnet secured to the piston is disclosed. The piston is closed at its end adjacent the output aperture of the cylinder and is open at its end adjacent the input aperture of the cylinder for defining a basin within the piston. A spring is positioned between the piston and the output aperture for forcing the piston away from the output aperture. Gas flowing in through the input aperture forces the piston toward the output aperture. An indication of the state of gas flow through the cylinder is provided in accordance with whether the switch is open or closed.

Abstract: The invention contemplates an improved magnetically operative flow switch wherein the viscosity sensitivity of a flow-responsive movable metering member is materially reduced, as compared with past constructions. The improvement results from so devising a flow-metering passage through the movable member that such flow is taken only from the center and not from the wall of the inlet-flow passage in which the metering member is movable.

Abstract: A device which facilitates the testing of pressure switches included in the brake systems of locomotives. An air line is tapped into the pressure line of each switch and is provided with a quick connect coupling conveniently located on a test panel. Another quick connect coupling on the panel connects with the main air reservoir of the brake system. Also located on the test panel adjacent to the respective couplings are pairs of electrical receptacles for each switch. The receptacles connect with electrical conductors which lead to opposite sides of each switch contact. A preselected test pressure may be applied to each switch by connecting an air hose equipped with an adjustable reducing valve and pressure gauge between the main air reservoir coupling and the coupling for the switch to be tested. An ohmmeter may be connected across the receptacles for the switch contact under test to indicate whether the switch contact is open or closed at the test pressure.

Abstract: The disclosed gas flow sensor has an orifice connected in an oxygen conduit and a pressure switch connected to the conduit by having a pressure chamber communicating with the conduit. The chamber terminates at a diaphram which is operatively coupled to a normally open microswitch by a spring loaded rod. As the flow rate of oxygen flowing through the conduit drops below a permissible minimum magnitude, back pressure on the orifice decreases so as to close the microswitch to provide a control signal. A bypass valve is connected across the orifice to prevent the oxygen pressure within the conduit from excessively increasing.

Abstract: Air switches operated by ventilator pressure are used in combination with an electric circuit to cause an indicating light to be energized as long as a selected volume of air is moving through the ventilator per unit of time. A red light and buzzer are employed to indicate a low pressure, and a meter is also employed for visual inspection of the condition of the system. Time delay relays are employed in the circuit in an arrangement to allow the system to reach operating condition and also to prevent functioning of the indicating means by temporary undesirable pressure conditions in the ventilator. The system also includes indicating means in the area of the fan to allow the workman to determine the condition of the system at the fan.

Abstract: A fuel safety switch for the fuel system of a motor is designed to be placed in the fuel delivery system and includes a bellows responsive to the pressure of the fuel within the fuel system for expansion outwardly, coil springs disposed on both sides of the bellows to provide a snap action return of the bellows to a collapsed condition after a reduction in fuel pressure, a first set of contacts activating an over fuel indicator when the bellows is expanded beyond a predetermined limit, and a second set of contacts activating the motor brake retarders, if turned on, when the bellows collapses to the unexpanded state.