Abstract: An ash level meter for a fixed-bed coal gasifier is provided which utilizes the known ash level temperature profile to monitor the ash bed level. A bed stirrer which travels up and down through the extent of the bed ash level is modified by installing thermocouples to measure the bed temperature as the stirrer travels through the stirring cycle. The temperature measurement signals are transmitted to an electronic signal process system by an FM/FM telemetry system. The processing system uses the temperature signals together with an analog stirrer position signal, taken from a position transducer disposed to measure the stirrer position to compute the vertical location of the ash zone upper boundary.

Abstract: A humidity responsive circuit is adapted to be connected to a thermostat to provide a humidity comfort offset to the thermostat. The humidity comfort offset circuit can be added to a retrofit item or could be added during the manufacture of an electronic thermostat which has a bridge in its input for measuring the temperature. The humidity comfort offset circuit have an output range with at least one humidity value being equal to the balance value of the bridge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the hardness of rubber, plastics, etc. and a hardness tester for use therein, characterized in that a feeler of the hardness tester is brought into contact with the surface of a test material, the amount of displacement of the feeler is converted into electric signals, the variation of hardness from the maximum value directly after the testing to the stabilized value after the lapse of a preset space of time is measured, and the temperature of the test material is taken synchronously with the hardness testing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for sensing the liquid level and coolant properties in a fluid containing vessel by insertion into the vessel of a plurality of matched spaced sensor probes comprising a first and second temperature sensor, the first sensor essentially measuring the media temperature, a heater, an arrangement for applying differential heat between the sensors, the heater and second sensors being thermally connected, all positioned to permit the sensing at the cooling quality of the media present, the heater located directly adjacent the second sensor and adjusted so that when the cooling quality of the normal fluid is sensed the heat generated by the heater and passing into the fluid is virtually completely dissipated and only a small finite differential temperature exists between the sensors and thereby indicates a sub-cooled liquid is present.

Abstract: To provide a profile of simultaneous moisture, temperature and root density characteristics at different depths of soil, a soil probe is inserted in the soil with a viewing and camera section extending above the soil. Similarly, the probe provides a profile of simultaneous moisture, temperature and presence of molds, insects or other foreign matter in grain or similar media including liquid as well as solid granulated material. The portion of the probe that is in the soil or other media includes a source of light or light conveyance and windows which transmit an image of the soil at various depths along the length of the probe through light conductors for further transmission to the viewing and camera section. Liquid crystals sense the temperature of the soil at different locations and light conductors transmit color changes of the liquid crystals to the surface so that a profile may be compiled of moisture, temperature and root patterns by observation of the transmitted images in the viewing section.

Abstract: Two condition sensors of two entirely different types are selected and monitored by a single condition sensor interface means. The interface means provides for selection of the sensor to be activated, or can be operated in a mode to repetitively sample both sensors. The sensors rely on a hybrid type device utilizing an integrated circuit, discrete components, and a mounting substrate. The sensors may be mounted on the substrate for temperature stability.

Abstract: A multi-functional sensing and measuring system capable of detecting both temperature and humidity is fabricated from a porous metal-oxide ceramic whose dielectric constant varies with temperature and whose electric resistance varies with ambient humidity. The sensing element is connected in series with a resistor and a rectangular pulse voltage is applied across the series combination, and the ambient temperature and humidity are measured simultaneously in terms of (i) the circuit time constant (to measure temperature) of a transient state value and (ii) the steady state value of the voltage across the resistor (to measure humidity).

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the leakage current error from a resistance furnace includes a grounded electrically conductive member, an electrically insulating, thermally conductive member adjacent thereto, which thermally conductive member is contacted by a thermocouple junction.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the approximate temperature profile of a large curved surface such as the outer surface of a chemical or hydrocarbon conversion reactor. At least two arrays of wire having a temperature dependent electrical resistance are placed over the surface to be monitored, with the arrays being aligned in different directions to cover the surface with a grid of overlapping wires. By measuring the resistance of each wire and comparing this resistance to predetermine reference values, wires which pass through regions of elevated temperature compared to the remainder of the surface may be located. By attributing the elevated temperatures to the area covered by the intersecting wires which show an increased resistance the areas of high temperature on the surface may be located.

Abstract: A metallurgical container has a refractory lining for containing a molten metal. A plurality of combination electrodes are provided at various positions of the refractory lining. Each combination electrode includes a refractory body having the property of high electrical conductivity at normal temperatures of the molten metal, and at least one electrical conductor embedded within the refractory body. Refractory material having a low electrical conductivity is positioned between the combination electrodes. A power source is connected to the electrical conductors of the plurality of combination electrodes to achieve first electrical resistances through the refractory bodies from the interior of the metallurgical container to the electrical conductors and second electrical resistances between the electrical conductors.

Abstract: A terrestrial refractometer comprising a gastight enclosure of substantially invariant transverse section and having a linearly movable endwall which varies in position in accordance with ambient temperature and pressure, the enclosure containing a fixed mass of a gas which at least approximates to an ideal gas; sensing means responsive to the linear position of the endwall; and compensating means arranged to apply a compensating factor which is proportional to the linear movement by the endwall from its position under conditions of standard temperature and pressure.

Abstract: An improvement in a measuring apparatus for the quantitative determination of a component of a gas sample. The apparatus takes a charge of a predetermined volume of the gas mixture into a metering pump which then pushes it through the absorption unit which adsorbs or absorbs a component of the gas. A probe is used for the intake of the gas and the probe has in the region of its intake opening a thermocouple. In addition, from the cable leading from the thermocouple a reference sensing device such as a second thermocouple is placed in differential connection. A single converter is used for indication of the temperature value and a microcomputer may be used to substantially automate the process.

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with a novel digital multi-point recorder that is microprocessor-controlled and enables impact printing from in back of the recorder paper to provide a front visible flat print-out of pages of on-line running summary data suited for operator viewing in industrial and similar locations, and providing a record for direct use in reports and logs.

Abstract: Apparatus for externally determining the level of a mass of flowable material such as liquid or granular material contained in a closed or sealed container having walls of magnetic material includes an elongate strip of thin magnetized metal sheet material coated with a thermochromic substance which varies chromatically with variations in temperature. The elongated strip is applied to the outer surface of the wall of the container in heat conducting relationship thereto by magnetic attraction and extends along the height of the container. The container is exposed to a temperature change either natural, such as that which occurs at sunset and sunrise, or artificially induced. Because of the difference in the rate of heat conduction of the void volume and the filled space of the container, the container wall experiences a temperature gradient which is most pronounced at the interface of the contents and the void space. The temperature of the container wall changes abruptly at the surface of the contents.

Abstract: A carrier strip of polyimide resin sheet material carries on one face an etched pattern of metallization comprising temperature-independent resistors formed of an underlying metallization layer of tantalum base, temperature-dependent resistors in which the effect of the upper layer of metallization, of a nickel base, is predominant, and conductive paths provided by broader strips of the nickel base material. A cover layer of the same heat-resistant resin sheet material is sealed and bonded to the carrier strip wherever a metallization layer does not intervene, taking care to leave open certain contact areas for the attachment of connecting leads. A holder structure holds the strips at each end and provides clear space for attaching connecting leads as well. The holder structure is designed to allow the flow of medium to pass in good thermo contact with the portion of the device enclosing the resistance elements.

Abstract: Instruments measure and periodically store coke vertical temperature profile data sets at multiple coke guide levels within expected level range. Computer detects highest level in each data set above a reference temperature and terminal plots coke level as a function thereof.