Abstract: The present disclosure provides a heat transfer limit experimental device of a high-temperature heat pipe equipped with a convenient temperature measurement box and a method based on the heat transfer limit experimental device. The heat transfer limit experimental device includes a high-temperature heat pipe, an electric heating system, a convenient temperature measurement box, a control system, a gas-cooled heat exchange system, and a data acquisition system. The electric heating system is connected to the high-temperature heat pipe. The convenient temperature measurement box is connected to the gas-cooled heat exchange system. The data acquisition system is connected to the gas-cooled heat exchange system, the convenient temperature measurement box, and the electric heating system. The control system is connected to the gas-cooled heat exchange system, the convenient temperature measurement box, and the electric heating system.

Abstract: A sensing device includes a concave side adapted to conform to a curvature of an outer side of a standard concrete test cylinder, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor. In one embodiment, the sensing device includes a capillary needle disposed on the concave side. The capillary needle comprises a humidity sensor. The sensing device is attached to the side of a concrete test cylinder, temperature and humidity measurements are obtained by the sensing device, and a prediction of maturity and strength of the concrete is generated based on the temperature and humidity measurements.

Abstract: A temperature sensing unit is provided, which includes a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of an object and a mounting member. The mounting member is elastic and is attached to the temperature sensor for securing the temperature sensor around the object, and the temperature sensor in one form defines a first thermocouple ribbon and a second thermocouple ribbon with a very low profile and high temperature capability.

Abstract: A sensing device includes a concave side adapted to conform to a curvature of an outer side of a standard concrete test cylinder, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor. In one embodiment, the sensing device includes a capillary needle disposed on the concave side. The capillary needle comprises a humidity sensor. The sensing device is attached to the side of a concrete test cylinder, temperature and humidity measurements are obtained by the sensing device, and a prediction of maturity and strength of the concrete is generated based on the temperature and humidity measurements.

Abstract: An industrial process vessel insulation monitoring system for monitoring an insulated section of a process vessel containing a process material includes one or more condition sensors and a controller. The condition sensors are configured to sense at least one environmental condition, such as temperature, humidity, moisture level, and/or chemical composition, and generate condition outputs that are indicative of the corresponding sensed condition. The controller is configured to detect at least one section condition relating to the insulated section based on the condition output, and generate condition information relating to the at least one detected section condition. Examples of the section conditions include a thermal resistance of an insulation of the insulated section, damage or degradation to an insulation of the insulated section, corrosion of the process vessel at the insulated section, conditions that promote corrosion of the process vessel, and moisture intrusion to the insulation.

Abstract: A method for providing a temperature sensitive element surrounding a surgical instrument to provide a visual indication of tip temperature to an operator of the instrument. Change in color of the element is an indication to the operator to be aware of the generated heat and reduce power to the instrument accordingly. When the tip of a surgical instrument heats up to a certain threshold that would cause harm, a reversible thermochromic property of the element may change colors in direct relation to the rise and fall of temperature.

Abstract: A modular sample conditioning system formed for in-situ sampling installation, referenced herein as “source mounted”. The present invention relates to a docking platform or substrate configured to receive multiple, diverse sampling components in various flow configurations, coupled with a unique housing/enclosure formed to engage the docking platform so as to further strengthen and stabilize the mount, the enclosure (in rigid and non-rigid, flexible forms) also formed to engage one or more of the mounted sampling components, so as to provide access outside of the enclosure for visibility and/or manual access of same, providing an easily installed and maintained, user-accessible, on-site modular sampling conditioning/monitoring system.

Abstract: Processes for operating an infusion pump are provided for pumping fluid though an administration set at a constant flow rate. The pump includes a pumping mechanism for pumping fluid and operates at a pulse frequency, and a controller controls the pulse frequency. Additionally, the pump has one or more sensors configured for measuring at least one characteristic value relating to a status of the infusion pump. The controller is configured for causing the pumping mechanism to operate at a first pulse frequency, and the one or more sensors measure the characteristic value. When the measured characteristic value meets a threshold value, the controller causes the pumping mechanism to operate at a second pulse frequency different from the first pulse frequency.

Abstract: The shower head nozzle as disclosed herein includes a quick-connect coupling for selectively attaching the nozzle to a downwardly extending conduit or tube for directing tested water through a test unit and into a bucket or drain, wherein the test unit may include a flow meter for measuring real-time water flow rate and a temperature sensor for measuring real-time water temperature dispensed from the shower head, thereby reducing the testing time, more accurately determining flow-rate and water temperature, and decreasing the amount of waste water.

Abstract: A sensing device includes a concave side adapted to conform to a curvature of an outer side of a standard concrete test cylinder, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor. In one embodiment, the sensing device includes a capillary needle disposed on the concave side. The capillary needle comprises a humidity sensor. The sensing device is attached to the side of a concrete test cylinder, temperature and humidity measurements are obtained by the sensing device, and a prediction of maturity and strength of the concrete is generated based on the temperature and humidity measurements.

Abstract: A fluid sensing device, including a housing; a fluid flow sensor at least partially contained within the housing and adapted to detect a flow of fluid through the housing; a timer operably connected to the fluid flow sensor and at least partially contained within the housing, the timer receiving a start signal from the fluid flow sensor when the fluid flow sensor detects the onset of fluid flow, the timer receiving a stop and reset signal from the fluid flow sensor when the fluid flow sensor detects the end of fluid flow; and at least one signaling device operably connected to the timer such that the signaling device is actuated when the timer indicates that a predetermined amount of time has elapsed.

Abstract: A thermocouple includes: a temperature measuring portion configured to measure an internal temperature of a reaction tube; a main body portion provided therein with a wire which constitutes the temperature measuring portion; and a cushioning portion attached to the main body portion at least in the vicinity of the temperature measuring portion, wherein the thermocouple is fixed to an outer surface of the reaction tube in a state in which the thermocouple makes contact with the reaction tube through the cushioning portion.

Abstract: A surface temperature sensor has a first geometric contact surface for determining the temperature in a vessel and a second geometric contact surface, wherein the first geometric contact surface and the second geometric contact surface are in point and/or linear contact and at least partially spaced variably from this. For improvement of thermal contact an adapter between the first geometric contact surface and the second geometric contact surface may be made of metal, whereby the process vessel facing side has a polygonal surface structure and the temperature sensor facing side of a sack-shaped recess.

Abstract: A temperature sensor belt includes at least one temperature sensor. The at least one temperature sensor is configured to provide an indication representative of a temperature of a workpiece. The temperature sensor belt also includes a support material disposed over the at least one temperature sensor. The support material is configured to support the at least one temperature sensor on the sensor belt. The temperature sensor belt also includes an insulative material at least partially surrounding the at least one temperature sensor. The insulative material is configured to thermally insulate the at least one temperature sensor.

Abstract: Methods for coding an inter-layer reference picture set (RPS) and coding end of bitstream (EoB) network access (NAL) units in multi-layer coding are disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes determining whether a candidate inter-layer reference picture is present in the video information. The video information includes an inter-layer RPS including a plurality of subsets. The method further includes determining an inter-layer RPS subset to which the candidate inter-layer reference picture belongs in response to determining that the candidate inter-layer reference picture is not present, and indicating that no reference picture is present in the inter-layer RPS subset to which the candidate inter-layer reference picture belongs.

Abstract: An assembly for measuring a temperature of a fluid flowing through a tubing section is provided. The assembly can include the tubing section and a temperature measurement component in thermal communication with an inner diameter of the tubing section. A temperature of a fluid flowing through the tubing section can be detected using the temperature measurement component.

Abstract: An LCD shower includes a body part with waterway, an information acquisition module, a transparent or semitransparent display module, a CPU connected to the information acquisition module and the display module and a power module to supply power to the information acquisition module, the display module and the CPU; the body part is disposed with a through hole, the display module is assembled in the through hole, wherein the display module includes a LCD screen, a first light guiding panel and a second light guiding panel, the LCD screen is sealed and disposed between the first light guiding panel and the second light guiding panel. User can see the display information of the LCD screen from one side of the first light guiding panel or the second light guiding panel; at the same time, as the display module is transparent or semi-transparent.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for measuring the thickness of any deposit of material on the inner wall of a structure conducting a fluid stream of hydrocarbons, the method comprising the steps of: applying a first heat pulse or continuous heating to at least one first section of the structure removing deposits on the inner wall of the first section of the structure; applying a second heat pulse to both the first section of the structure and at least one second section of the structure, the first and second sections being spaced apart, which heat pulse does not loosen any deposit of material in the second section; measuring the temperature of the wall of the structure or the fluid during the second heat pulse at both the first and second sections; and determining the thickness of any deposit of material on the inner wall of the structure at the second section based on the measured temperatures. The present invention also relates to a corresponding device and arrangement.

Abstract: A sensor assembly including a sensing element, a conductor connected to the sensing element, and an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft includes a proximal end and a distal end. An inner surface of the shaft defines a through-bore extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The through-bore is configured to receive the conductor therethrough. An outer surface of the shaft includes a proximal diameter at the proximal end and a distal diameter at the distal end. The proximal diameter is greater than the distal diameter and configured to dampen vibration.

Abstract: A calorific value measuring system, includes a gas flowing in a pipe; the flow rate controlling device; a temperature measuring element in the pipe; a heater element, in the pipe, producing a plurality of temperatures; a measuring portion measuring a value from a temperature measuring element that is dependent on the temperature of the gas, and a value from the heater element at each of a plurality of temperatures; an equation storage device storing a calorific value equation using values from the temperature measuring element and values from the heater element at the plurality of temperatures as independent variables and uses the calorific value as the dependent variable; and a calorific value portion calculating a value for the calorific value of a gas through substituting a value from the temperature measuring element and a value from the heater element into the independent variables of the calorific value equation.

Abstract: A temperature sensing assembly for measuring the temperature of a surface of a structure includes a thermocouple device having a sheath containing a pair of conductors of dissimilar materials connected at a junction point to provide indications of temperature. The assembly further includes a docking device with a recess formed in a top surface to receive a portion of the sheath that is proximate the junction point. The bottom surface of the docking device is attached to the surface of the structure. The recess extends through the bottom surface of the docking device so that when the thermocouple device is positioned in the recess, the junction point is adjacent the surface of the tube. A heat shield can be attached to the docking device to shield the sheath proximate the junction point from direct and radiant heat sources.

Abstract: A temperature sensor assembly is disclosed, formed of flexible, resilient, and insulative material, so that a contact temperature sensor, situated in a housing and connected to an electrical meter, may be affixed temporarily or permanently to a (generally) cylindrical tube, pipe, or other “line,” the distal ends of the housing straps stretched and tensioned to press the housing and contact temperature sensor on to the exterior of such fluid line to keep the housing in the correct position on the fluid line, and the distal ends of the straps joined to secure the assembly to the fluid line, so that the temperature on the exterior of the fluid line, and the temperature of the fluid therewithin, may thereby be measured.

Abstract: An electrical sleeve heater for heating an elongated part has a metallic and tubular casing extending coaxially along an axis with the part and surrounding the part. The casing has a front end is with a radially inwardly open cutout. A electrical heating element set in the casing is energizeable to heat the casing and the part surrounded by the casing. A thermocouple has a sensing tip in the cutout. A retaining body of at most low thermal conductivity is fitted in the cutout, holds the tip out of contact with the metallic casing, and urges the tip radially inward into direct engagement with an outer surface of the part. The retaining body is a molded part, a plate, or a spring of a material with low or negligible thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A multi-purpose, cylindrical thermal insulation test apparatus is used for testing insulation materials and systems of materials using a liquid boil-off calorimeter system for absolute measurement of the effective thermal conductivity (k-value) and heat flux of a specimen material at a fixed environmental condition (cold-side temperature, warm-side temperature, vacuum pressure level, and residual gas composition). The apparatus includes an inner vessel for receiving a liquid with a normal boiling point below ambient temperature, such as liquid nitrogen, enclosed within a vacuum chamber. A cold mass assembly, including the upper and lower guard chambers and a middle test vessel, is suspended from a lid of the vacuum canister. Each of the three chambers is filled and vented through a single feedthrough. All fluid and instrumentation feedthroughs are mounted and suspended from a top domed lid to allow easy removal of the cold mass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature-measuring device for measuring the temperature of a medium flowing through a pipeline segment, wherein the temperature-measuring device consists of a temperature-measuring sleeve introduced into the pipeline segment, in which a temperature sensor is arranged, the temperature-measuring sleeve protruding partially into the pipeline segment, the wall thickness of at least the part of the temperature-measuring sleeve protruding into the pipeline segment being smaller than that of the pipeline segment, the wail thickness and/or the outside diameter of the temperature-measuring sleeve being further reduced in a predetermined area around the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A measuring device for a heat exchanger includes a pressure pipe arrangement that is spaced using webs and that has a heating side and an isolation side and that is implemented with at least one heat flow sensor. A heat flow sensor is arranged on the heating side in such a way that at least two temperatures T1 and T2 and the temperature difference thereof can be detected there, and additionally at least one temperature sensor for measuring a temperature T3 is arranged on the isolation side and at a distance to the heat flow sensor.

Abstract: A technology to control temperature of a large substrate to be heated. A temperature sensing device is disposed lateral to a region where a radiation heater faces a substrate to be heated inside a heating chamber. A heating device has the heating chamber, the radiation heater, a power-supply device, a substrate-holding device, a control device, and the temperature sensing device. A control program is built into the control device, according to which the power-supply device controls the power applied to the radiation heater to generate heat such that the temperature of the temperature measurement substrate detected by a thermocouple of the temperature sensing device becomes a set temperature. Furthermore, a circulation passage is disposed in close contact with the temperature-sensing device, and with a coolant flowing through the circulation passage, the temperature of the temperature measurement substrate can be cooled from the set temperature to an initial temperature.

Abstract: A compressor inlet pressure estimation apparatus for a refrigeration cycle system is disclosed. An electronic control unit 14 answers YES by judging that the command to start a compressor 2 is issued when an air-conditioning switch is turned on in step S100. After that, the electronic control unit 14 answers NO in the case where a timer count time Tc is shorter than a predetermined time T1 in step S120. At the same time, Tefin_C is set to 15° C. in step S130. The lower one of Tefin_C and Tefin determined in this way is determined as Tefin_d (step S150). After that, Tefin_d is input to the first-order lag function to acquire Tefin_AD(N). Then, the control proceeds to step S170, where the estimated value Ps_es(N) of the refrigerant inlet pressure of the compressor 2 is determined using Tefin_AD(N) and Gr.

Abstract: A method of measuring temperature of a fluid using a direct fluid contact temperature sensor by capturing a cooling line between a radius of a clip portion, the clip portion extending longitudinally in parallel with a corresponding portion of the cooling line, and a tip end of the sensor; directly contacting said tip end of said sensor with said cooling line; and measuring temperature of with the sensor. A device is provided for rapidly installing a fluid temperature sensor onto a fluid line for measuring the temperature of the fluid without requiring cutting or disconnection of the fluid line.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for a system and method for flow assurance and pipe condition monitoring in a pipeline for flowing hydrocarbons using at least one thermal sensor probe, which at least one thermal sensor probe may be used in conjunction with one or more other sensors to manage the sensing process and for data fusion to accurately determine flow properties and/or pipeline condition. By way of example, but not by way of limitation, in an embodiment of the present invention, a network of noninvasive sensors may provide output data that may be data-fused to determine properties of the pipeline and/or flow through the pipeline.

Abstract: A device for determining a physical value of a liquid flowing in a pipe, without contact with said liquid, said device comprising: a sensor (3) for said physical value; a connector (2) to insert into said pipe and comprising: an internal passage (13) extending between two apertures (11, 12), a flexible membrane (6) for a pressure sensor, forming a wall of said internal passage (13); and means (27, 62) for fastening said sensor (3) onto said connector (2); characterized in that said sensor is a temperature sensor (3) fastened to said connector (2) with the sensitive part of said sensor (3) turned towards said membrane (6).

Abstract: A regulation system for a compressor comprises a fiber-optic lattice sensor which makes it possible to determine a flow temperature of a fluid to be compressed by means of the compressor. Another aspect of the invention relates to a use of a fiber-optic Bragg lattice sensor as a temperature sensor in a regulation system.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the temperature of a nozzle having fluid material injected from an injection molding machine through a flow channel in a heated manifold that is coupled to a nozzle that is coupled to the cavity of a mold, the apparatus comprising: a heating device comprising a controllably heatable thermally conductive heating element; the heating element of the heating device being mounted on or around the outer surface of the tube of the nozzle at an end point; a temperature monitor comprising a temperature sensor mounted on or around the nozzle at a selected position along the axis of the bore of the nozzle; and, a thermal insulator disposed along the axis of the nozzle separating the end point of the heating element and the temperature sensor.

Abstract: Cloud point monitoring systems for determining a cloud point temperature value for diesel fuel are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a cloud point monitoring system receives diesel fuel in the tubular conduit and propagates light through the diesel fuel. The cloud point monitoring system further determines a cloud point temperature value indicative of a cloud point of the diesel fuel based on a light intensity level of the light that has propagated through cooled diesel fuel.

Abstract: A contactless temperature-measuring device especially for a respiration humidifier with a flow channel for breathing gas, which is improved in respect to handling and reliability of measurement. The device includes: a hollow body (1), which is closed towards the flow channel (2, 6), extends into the flow channel (2, 6) for assuming the temperature in the flow channel (2, 6); and an infrared detector (3, 7) is directed toward the inner surface of the hollow body (1) extending into the flow channel (2, 6) for the contactless detection of the temperature of the hollow body (1).

Abstract: Ambient temperature for a temperature sensor can be calculated using a mobile temperature sensor system that samples air from the boundary layer around a mobile platform and passes the air through a measurement cell containing two flush-mounted or embedded sensor elements. A common reference voltage can be applied by control circuitry to minimize drift in the sensor element readings and to calculate the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A temperature-measuring device with a sensing head and a pipe piece is disclosed. The sensing head is embedded in the pipe piece. The pipe piece is provided for conducting a medium whose temperature is detected by the sensing head.

Abstract: A temperature indication pipe joint, including a shell, wherein a water conduit is arranged in said shell, and including a heat transmission unit which has a first end in said water conduit and a second end connected to the center of a spiral double sheet metal, said spiral double sheet metal further has an indicating needle extended from its other end. By utilizing the double sheet metal to sense the change of temperature and deform accordingly, the water temperature can be indicated, which can reduce the cost and achieve a simpler structure compared to the digital thermometer used before; when rotating the cover of the present invention, the quantity of water stream will be adjusted.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an exhaust gas feedstream flowing past a gas sensing device disposed therein. The gas sensor includes an integrated electrical heating element which provides a resistance indicative of its temperature. An unknown input observer is used to determine the exhaust gas feedstream temperature based on the heating element temperature.

Abstract: A cover for the bulb of a thermal expansion valve is comprised of two halves of an insulative body that are wrapped around the bulb and associated outlet types in clamshell fashion to encapsulate the combination. Internal and external flaps are hingedly connected along their longitudinal edges to permit access for inspection purposes, and the external flap is secured to the internal flap by Velcro. A tongue structure on the outer surface of the body fits into grooves on the inner surface of the outer flap to seal the cover against the entry of moisture. The two halves are secured in place at their ends by way of bands.

Abstract: A detector for identifying a fluid is disclosed. The detector comprises a probe having a thermistor, the probe being arranged to be exposed to a fluid and to allow thermal flow between the fluid and the thermistor; a temperature sensor to measure the ambient temperature of the fluid and a controller. The controller is arranged to supply electrical power to the thermistor and to provide an output indicative of the identity of the fluid based upon whether the electrical power supplied to the thermistor is above or below a threshold value. The threshold value is adjustable in accordance with the measured ambient temperature of the fluid. Examples of such a detector provide reliable fluid identification despite variations in ambient temperature of the fluid and such a detector may be compact, inexpensive, reliable and robust.

Abstract: A system for changing the temperature (T1) of a fluid such as an on-demand water heater is disclosed. The system comprises an input for receiving the fluid (120) at a first temperature (T1) and an output for delivering the fluid at a second temperature (T2). A conduit connects the input to the output, and comprising means such as a heating element for altering the temperature of the fluid from the first temperature (T1) to the second temperature (T2). The system is characterized by the presence of one or more virtual sensors for estimating the fluid temperature in a given location within the conduit. The system provides accurate fluid temperature control without suffering from the slow responsiveness that usually mars sensor-based systems.

Abstract: A solution for measuring steam quality in a steam turbine is disclosed. A steam quality measurement (SQM) device and an ejector are coupled to a steam turbine through an appropriate piping configuration to draw steam emitted from the turbine through the SQM device for measurement of the steam quality, for example, continuously, during operation of the turbine.

Abstract: A vacuum container having a vacuum producing means, mounted on a vehicle, a trailer, or skid mounted, with options chosen from an articulating boom, a water jetter system, a liquid pressure dissipating means, a valve actuator, and a drive motor for the valve actuator being either hydraulic, air, or electric powered, a global positioning system to determine and log the position of work, service or hardware, controls and measuring devices and de-chlorinator.

Abstract: A temperature measurement device in combination with a furnace heat exchanger is disclosed and claimed. An instrumented heat tracer sensor is launched into the heat exchanger which records the temperature of the fluid and performance at data points along the length of the heat exchanger. If a spike in the temperature as measured and recorded, since the speed of the heat tracer sensor is known, the location of the temperature increase is known which infers a burn through in the furnace. A three way valve includes a retrieve port, a chamber port, and a launch port. A small sensor control pump and a large heat exchanger flow pump propel the heat tracer sensor through the system. A plastic chamber retains the heat tracer sensor for interrogation and downloading information when the sensor is not in use in the heat exchanger. A control station communicates with the heat tracer sensor and extracts the stored temperature data therefrom.

Abstract: Device for adapting a temperature probe for a use in a port in a heart-lung machine. An adaptor slip is tapered at an adaptor taper angle less than a port taper angle. The adaptor slip is sized such that the exterior wall of the adaptor slip provides an interference fit with at least a portion of the fluid port. The adaptor slip has an external shoulder abutting the end of the fluid port. The adaptor slip additionally has a sleeve having a closed end having a position with respect to the end of the adapter slip. A probe is configured to be seated in a lumen of the adaptor slip with a proximate end of the probe being proximate to the closed end of said sleeve.

Abstract: The publication discloses a method for determining a temperature of a substrate, comprising: providing a gas channel that is confined by at least one wall having a certain wall temperature; providing a substrate in said gas channel, proximate to the at least one wall, such that a gap exists between a surface of the substrate and the at least one wall; providing a gas flow with a certain mass flow rate through said gas channel, which gas flow extends at least partially through said gap; determining a pressure drop in the gas flow along the gas channel; and deriving from said pressure drop the temperature of said substrate using a pre-determined relation between the pressure drop along the gas channel, the wall temperature and the temperature of the substrate, at said mass flow rate. Also disclosed is a device for implementing the disclosed method.

Abstract: A method for testing heat pipes includes the following steps. A plurality of bar-shaped heat pipes having the same size is provided, and the heat pipes are deformed. The deformed heat pipes are placed in a temperature regulator, such that a temperature of the heat pipes is periodically changed between a first temperature and a second temperature. The heat pipes are then taken out of the temperature regulator. One end of each heat pipe is maintained at a third temperature by a thermostatic device, and a heat pipe temperature difference of two opposite ends of the heat pipe is measured. The heat pipes having the heat pipe temperature difference greater than a standard temperature difference in the heat pipes are marked.

Abstract: A fluid temperature control device, which includes: a main body block having a passage channel formed in a surface thereof; a thermal conducting plate that is provided on the surface of the main body block, and covers the passage channel to form a passage for passing a fluid to be temperature controlled; and temperature control means that carries out heat exchanging (heating/cooling), by way of the thermal conducting plate, with the fluid passing through the passage, in which the passage abutting on the thermal conducting plate connects a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet formed in the main body block, and is a single passage having an approximately constant passage cross-sectional area over its entire length.

Abstract: Disposable, pre-sterilized, and pre-calibrated, pre-validated conductivity sensors are provided. These sensors are designed to store sensor-specific information, such as calibration and production information, in a non-volatile memory chip on the sensor. The sensors are calibrated using 0.100 molar potassium chloride (KCl) solutions at 25 degrees Celsius. These sensors may be utilize with in-line systems, closed fluid circuits, bioprocessing systems, or systems which require an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning procedures and quality assurance variances.