Abstract: A load receiver device that serves to receive at least one solid body and to hold the solid body in place in a surrounding fluid during a density determination. Embodiments of the load receiver device include a hanger module that is adapted to establish a hanging connection to a part that is, in turn, connected to the weighing cell of a balance. Embodiments of the load receiver device further include a receiver module that is connected to the hanger module and serves to receive a solid body. The receiver module has a concavity that is designed to receive the solid body, and the orientation of the concavity can be selectively reversed to maintain the position of the solid body in the surrounding fluid during a density determination, regardless of whether the solid body will otherwise sink or float in the fluid.

Abstract: A densitometer suitable for fluid measurements in remote, hostile environments comprises one or more pairs of matched weight masses housed within a tube and having respectively different densities. When immersed in the subject fluid, the buoyancy differential between the masses is converted to a proportional torque oriented about an axis aligned substantially parallel with a pipe bore. The torque is transferred through a calibrated environmental isolation cylinder to an electric property sensor positioned in a protected environment. A proportionalized electric property signal is transmitted to a value reading station.

Abstract: A hydrometer, hydrometer kit, and method of measuring the salinity/density or the salinity/specific gravity of a liquid are provided. The hydrometer may include a box structure comprising side walls and a bottom. At least a portion of one of the side walls may be substantially transparent. A buoyant indicator member may be pivotably disposed about an axis within the box structure. The indicator member may pivot about the axis when the box structure is filled with a liquid. A salinity/density scale or salinity/specific gravity scale may be disposed on a surface of the box structure or a dial member. At least one adhesive member may be removably adhered to the indicator member by a user so that the hydrometer can be calibrated based on a reference solution having a predetermined salinity. The at least one adhesive member may increase or decrease the buoyancy of the indicator member. The kit may include the hydrometer and a container of the reference solution having a predetermined salinity.

Abstract: A load receiver device that serves to receive at least one solid body and to hold the solid body in place in a surrounding fluid during a density determination. Embodiments of the load receiver device include a hanger module that is adapted to establish a hanging connection to a part that is, in turn, connected to the weighing cell of a balance. Embodiments of the load receiver device further include a receiver module that is connected to the hanger module and serves to receive a solid body. The receiver module has a concavity that is designed to receive the solid body, and the orientation of the concavity can be selectively reversed to maintain the position of the solid body in the surrounding fluid during a density determination, regardless of whether the solid body will otherwise sink or float in the fluid.

Abstract: A method for producing alloy wheels for motor vehicles in which each wheel is provided with a hub and a rim contemplates realizing a finishing operation with a cutting machine tool, measuring the unbalance of the wheel, checking whether the unbalance falls within the predetermined acceptability values by means of a control unit and issuing a signal related to the acceptability of the unbalance.

Abstract: A hydrometer, hydrometer kit, and method of measuring the salinity/density or the salinity/specific gravity of a liquid are provided. The hydrometer may include a box structure comprising side walls and a bottom. At least a portion of one of the side walls may be substantially transparent. A buoyant indicator member may be pivotably disposed about an axis within the box structure. The indicator member may pivot about the axis when the box structure is filled with a liquid. A salinity/density scale or salinity/specific gravity scale may be disposed on a surface of the box structure or a dial member. At least one adhesive member may be removably adhered to the indicator member by a user so that the hydrometer can be calibrated based on a reference solution having a predetermined salinity. The at least one adhesive member may increase or decrease the buoyancy of the indicator member. The kit may include the hydrometer and a container of the reference solution having a predetermined salinity.

Abstract: A concentration detector is adapted to detect the concentration of a liquid fuel in a container. The concentration detector comprises a rotating mechanism positioned underneath the level of the liquid fuel and having a rotational center. A first float having a specific gravity less than the specific gravity of the liquid fuel, a volume equivalent to “V” and a mass equivalent to “M”. The distance between the mass center of the first float and the rotational center is “L”. A second float connected with the first float and having a specific gravity less than the specific gravity of the liquid fuel, a volume equivalent to “V” and a mass equivalent to “r*M”. The distance between the mass center of the second float and the rotational center is “L. The mass center of the second float, the rotational center and the mass center of the first float constitute an included angle of 120°.

Abstract: A concentration detector is disclosed, which is adapted to detect a concentration of a liquid fuel in a container. The concentration detector includes a rotating means positioned underneath a level of a liquid fuel and rotatable at an angle ? on a X-Y plane. The rotating means includes at least three floating objects connected with each other. Each floating object has a specific gravity less than a specific gravity of the liquid fuel ?. The floating objects are balanced according to a torque equation, F(?,?)=0, such that the rotating means is still under the level of the liquid fuel. While a concentration of the liquid fuel is changed and the angle ? of the rotating means is detected, the specific gravity of the liquid fuel ? is obtained from the torque equation, F(?,?)=0, and thereby computing the concentration of the liquid fuel.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-leveling hydrometer. A balance hanger is on top of a handle, which connects to a swinging support part. An imbalanced load is in the center of the floating measurement indicator and the imbalanced load can rotate freely in the round hole on the center of the floating measurement indicator. The imbalanced load has a protrudent round plate on edge that exposes on the round hole of the floating measurement indicator. A moveable hook, the support part and the imbalanced load can position the present invention in an absolute horizontal position for accurate liquid specific gravity readout. The present invention can also achieve easier and more accurate initial calibration process during manufacturing.

Abstract: A hydrometer comprises a transparent container including a top opening, two arcuate dividers extended from both sides of top opening for dividing the interior of container into a measuring chamber and two opposite side channels each having a bottom open end in communication with measuring chamber and a top inlet open to outside, and a pointer pivotably mounted inside measuring chamber and adapted for indicating a specific gravity of liquid (e.g., sea water) contained in measuring chamber A fluid path is formed from top inlet through channel and bottom open end into measuring chamber as container immersed in the liquid to be measured. This can avoid the generation of bubbles. Further, the time(s) of adjustment of the specific gravity of liquid can be precisely determined.

Abstract: A hydrometer comprises a transparent container including a top opening, two arcuate dividers extended from both sides of top opening for dividing the interior of container into a measuring chamber and two opposite side channels each having a bottom open end in communication with measuring chamber and a top inlet open to outside, and a pointer pivotably mounted inside measuring chamber and adapted for indicating a specific gravity of liquid (e.g., sea water) contained in measuring chamber A fluid path is formed from top inlet through channel and bottom open end into measuring chamber as container immersed in the liquid to be measured. This can avoid the generation of bubbles. Further, the time(s) of adjustment of the specific gravity of liquid can be precisely determined.

Abstract: A fluid density measurement device includes a float (12) and a weight (14), each mounted on links (16) for essentially vertical movement. A crank (22) is mounted above the float and weight and is connected to them,by a float link (24) and a counterweight link (28) to convert the forces from the float and the forces from the weight to rotational forces on the crank acting in opposite directions. The position adopted by the crank will be dependent upon the density of the fluid in which the instrument is immersed. The links (16) are arranged so that a good approximation to straight line motion is obtained at the centre of the float and the weight.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting sealed packages of product includes a conveyor belt for receiving the packages. An inspection belt contacts the packages and moves away from the conveyor belt a particular distance depending on whether the packages are properly sealed. When engaged by a package with a good seal, the inspection belt is moved a first distance which causes an indicator carried thereon to send a signal which prevents removal of the good package from the conveyor belt. However, when a leaky bag contacts the inspection belt, the inspection belt is moved a second distance which is insufficient to cause the indicator to send a signal. Consequently, the improperly sealed package is removed from the conveyor belt. The inspection belt may be mounted for linear or pivotal movement upon being contacted by the packages carried by the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting leaks in a fuel dispenser is operative to pneumatically pressurize a selectable one of a vapor recovery portion and a fuel dispensing portion using a compressed air flow. A flowmeter measures the flow rate of the compressed air communicated to the fuel dispenser for pressurization thereof. A processor provides an indication of the leakage condition of the fuel dispenser based upon the pneumatic flow rate measured by the flowmeter which satisfies a pressurization condition for the fuel dispenser, such as maintaining the pressurization level above a threshold value. The flow rate of compressed air needed to maintain this pressurization level is indicative of the leak rate.

Abstract: For the purpose of testing deformable containers (2) for tightness, a negative pressure is generated in the container (2) and the internal pressure is then measured. The negative pressure is generated by deformation of the container (2). A sealing strip (6) is set on the container opening (8) in order to maintain the negative pressure in the container (2). In non-tight containers, the pressure increases relatively rapidly again to the ambient pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for leak testing a closed container having a substantially flexible wall structure wherein a compressive force is applied to the wall structure such that the wall structure is displaced from a first position to a second position. The compressive force is maintained for a pre-determined first period of time to stabilize the container wall structure. After the stabilization period, the compressive force is released wherein the wall structure commences recovery from the second position toward the first position. The wall structure recovery from the second position is measured at a pre-determined second period of time.

Abstract: A hydrometer includes a liquid container defining a measuring chamber. A pointer is pivotally mounted inside the measuring chamber and adapted for indicating the specific gravity of a liquid sample contained in the measuring chamber. The liquid container is mounted with a concealed liquid sample intake pipe adapted for picking up the liquid sample to be measured and delivering the liquid sample to the measuring chamber. The concealed liquid sample intake pipe has a bottom open end extending out of the lowest side of the liquid container and a top open end suspending in the measuring chamber above the upper limit liquid level.

Abstract: A leak detector is provided for detecting and indicating a leak opening of seam in a mortar increment container or the like. This will work with porous or non-porous materials. The leak detector includes a plurality of thermistors arranged to sense selective portions of the seam, and a process circuit for receiving respective signals from the thermistors for identifying and displaying a leak condition or a no-leak condition or a bad-thermistor condition.

Abstract: The sealing integrity and/or the proper filling of sealed packages is determined by conveying them continuously along a path and applying loads to them. The loads have package contacting surface portions that travel in the conveying direction, e.g., provided by driven belts or arrays of free-running rollers. Preferably each package is subject to a first load and to a second load greater than the first, and two values related to the effective package thickness under the loads are derived and compared by a computer system. The difference value is indicative of package seal quality.

Abstract: A process for testing seal quality and height of flexible packages in accordance with the invention includes the following steps. Positioning a package to be tested at a test station. Initially moving a loading device into contact with the flexible package in a direction which applies an increasing load to a fluid within the package with the load applied to the package being sensed with a sensing device. Moving the loading device an initial distance in the direction which causes the sensed load to equal a set load. Defining as a reference position of the loading device an actual position of the loading device when the set load is sensed by the sensing device. Stopping movement of the loading device when the set load has been sensed by the sensing device for a time interval sufficient to permit the package to expand at the test station which drops the load sensed by the sensing device below the set load.

Abstract: A leak-detection installation for testing the gastightness of flexible or rigid sealed packages containing a certain concentration of tracer gas, said installation including a belt conveyor, a bell-shaped cover situated above said conveyor and including drive means enabling said cover to be raised and to be lowered until it bears against the belt of said conveyor, said cover being connected to a tracer gas leak detector, the resulting assembly being controlled by control electronic circuitry, wherein said belt is made of a material that is both non-porous and non-perforated, and wherein the cover carries sealing means at its bottom periphery for co-operating with the belt of said conveyor to guarantee the gastightness of said cover when it is in the low position, wherein the cover is connected to a vacuum pump, and wherein a backing plate provided with a system of sealing rings is disposed under said belt and in alignment with said cover, said backing plate having a recess and being connected to said cover vi

Abstract: The vacuum tester has a housing which is small enough to be held in one hand in which is contained a small vacuum pump, an activator switch and a vacuum gauge. A non-return flap valve, or check valve, is disposed between the vacuum pump and the vacuum gauge so that the vacuum within the chamber under test is not lost once the vacuum pump has been turned off. A connector with a vacuum hose extending therefrom is provided to apply the vacuum to the chamber. Interchangeable adapters can be attached at the end of the vacuum hose to provide a seal with the opening in the chamber. Detection and quantization of leaks in closed systems is provided by observing the leak-back rate on the vacuum gauge once the vacuum pump has been turned off.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for the testing of containers, preferably in a filling closing machine for comestible products in plastic cups or the like. The container is received in a vacuum bell or chamber which is equipped with a suction cup at the end of a suction pipe above the cover so that, when the chamber is evacuated, the cover can bulge to block the suction cup and a pressure differential developed between the suction pipe and the chamber signalling an effective seal. In the case of an ineffective seal, damage to the cover or the like, the pressure difference does not develop and the defective package can be sorted out.

Abstract: The internal pressure of a sealed container is characterized by tapping to vibrate a wall of the container, and then basing the characterization of the internal pressure on a frequency spectrum of the vibration and stored data measured from vibrating other sealed containers. The stored data is generated by vibrating a series of tests controllers having different, known internal pressures.

Abstract: Apparatus for, and method of, through-the-valve testing the pressure levels within pressurized containers, particularly aerosol containers, without dispensing the container contents. The apparatus includes a vertically reciprocal head in which a small charge of gas under greater pressure than the highest pressure level to be tested for is isolated in a small chamber. The head is lowered onto a container being tested and an adapter on the bottom of the head interfaces with the valve on the container. The pressure of the charge in the head is released into the adapter and the container valve is actuated to provide a connection between the container pressure and the higher pressure in the head and adapter. Due to its small volume the pressure in the head and adapter readily equalizes to the level of the pressure in the container. This equalized pressure is sensed by a pressure sensor or transducer connected to the chamber in the head.

Abstract: A apparatus and method of testing packages containing fluid materials for failure and leakage. The apparatus includes a plurality of testing stations in which a control assembly causes a series of actuators to advance platens so as to apply a given force against the packages being tested. If one of the packages fails and leakage occurs, a sensor is triggered indicating that a particular package has failed. In response to the failure, the control assembly causes the actuator corresponding to the failed package to retract its platen so that the failed package can be inspected. The testing of the remaining packages continues without interruption.

Abstract: A method and test chamber for leak testing a container with a substantially flexible wall portion wherein the container is introduced into a test cavity so that the wall portion of the container is spaced from an inner adjacent wall portion of the test cavity with a gap being defined between the wall portion of the cavity and the flexible wall portion of the container. A pressure difference is installed as an initial value between the interior of the container and at least the gap by applying a pressure at least to the gap which is smaller than a pressure inside the container. The flexible wall portion is supported form its exterior side within the test cavity so as to prevent the flexible wall portion from bending outwardly into contact with the wall portion of the test cavity as a result of the pressure difference. The time course of a pressure prevailing within the gap is measured as a leak indicative signal.

Abstract: A battery condition readout device is disclosed. A series of slides of varying densities float or sink according to the amount of charge. An optical system permits slide position to be seen at a point external to the battery.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the density of a liquid is disclosed comprising a housing having a solution chamber, and a separate instrument chamber. The solution and instrument chambers are separated by an isolating means, a portion of which is flexible. A lever passes through the flexible portion of the isolating means and is supported by a pivot assembly. A float is attached to one end of the lever and is at least partially submerged in the liquid being measured. Variations in the density of the liquid causes the float to rise and fall, and consequently, the lever rotates about the pivot axis. Position sensing electronics contained within the instrument chamber sense the position of the lever which is indicative of the liquid density. The isolating means includes an isolating partition having an opening formed therein, and a diaphragm. The diaphragm is clamped to a raised collar surrounding the opening in the isolating partition by a clamping ring.

Abstract: A leak detection apparatus and method provides uniform pressure application for leak testing of irregular containers. The leak detector utilizes compressed air at a regulated low pressure and includes timing and pneumatic valve components for providing a timed pressure application and release cycle and an inflatable shroud which envelopes the container and applies substantially uniform pressure thereto. Leak detection is accomplished by visual inspection of the container during and immediately after the pressure application cycle. An alternate embodiment detector provides semi-automated testing. Fill and vent valves are controlled by a microprocessor which receives data from a pressure transducer. A read only memory stores one or more selectable decay functions and the microprocessor compares the pressure decay rate of the shroud and the container under test with an appropriate stored function to determine whether the container is leaking and provides a two-state (Accept-Reject) output.

Abstract: The seal of a package comprising a cup containing a liquid or semiliquid substance and having a rim to which a flexible cover is sealed is checked by simultaneously monitoring the position of the cover, inwardly elastically deflecting at least one of the walls of the cup so that the disk is bulged outward only when the cup is sealed, and generating an output based on the monitored position of the disk when the disk is bulged outward. The cup is held substantially stationary while monitoring the cover-disk position and inwardly deflecting the one wall, although normally diametrically opposite side walls are simultaneously and oppositely inwardly deflected. The position of the cover disk is monitored by pressing a bumper against it resiliently and detecting movement of the bumper.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for testing filled containers. The apparatus includes both a vacuum sensor and displacement sensors in combination. A computer is utilized to analyze the data from both the vacuum sensor and the displacement sensors, and based on preselected criteria, determines the seal integrity for the container.

Abstract: The invention provides a leak detection system for filled and sealed pliable containers. The system comprises a continuous squeezing conveyor, a line conveyor and high and low fill level container content detectors located at predetermined positions. The squeezing conveyor moves a stream of containers while placing a predetermined pressure on the containers through a predetermined distance. The line conveyor is disposed adjacent the outlet end of the squeezing conveyor. The line conveyor is synchronized for receiving and transporting the container stream. The high fill level detector is disposed adjacent the squeezing conveyor outlet end. The low fill level detector is disposed adjacent the line conveyor at a predetermined distance downstream the squeezing conveyor outlet end.

Abstract: The leaky or non-leaky condition of a flexible, closed container is tested by increasing the pressure within the container (by causing motion of a wall of the container), and monitoring the resulting rate of change of a predetermined parameter (wall position or force exerted by the wall); the monitored rate of change indicates the leaky or non-leaky condition. In another aspect the time-varying net force on a container is the basis for determining the leaky or non-leaky condition.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for testing for leaks in bottles or containers having at least one flexible portion. The apparatus includes one or more test chambers including a means for applying a direct compressive force to the flexible container portion and also a means for measuring the reaction force exerted by the internal pressure in the container to the applied force after at least two predetermined time intervals following application of the direct force while the force is maintained, and means for generating signals indicative of the reactive forces. In its method aspect, the invention provides methods whereby the reaction force is compared with established reference values obtained by applying the same direct force to an identical container having known leak characteristics and establishing by such comparison if the leak rate for the tested container conforms to the established reference values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of controlling a rotating vacuum evaporation system is disclosed. The rotating flask, containing the medium to be evaporated, is buoyantly supported in a liquid bath and the relative elevation between the flask and the liquid level in the bath is measured. The relative elevation is utilized as the control signal to control the addition of fluid medium to the flask, and to shut off the system when desired.

Abstract: A method for measuring a curvature of a reflective surface includes the steps of directing a pair of collimated light beams onto a substantially smooth portion of the reflective surface and measuring the separation of the light beam images reflected from the surface as a representation of the curvature of the surface. An apparatus utilizing this method includes a pair of lasers for producing respective collimated light beams, a laser mount arranged to direct the separate light beams from the lasers as substantially parallel light beams onto a substantially smooth portion of a reflective surface being measured to produce respective bright spots on the surface, receiving images of the bright spots onto a diffuse target surface, viewing these bright spot images with a sensor to produce a light intensity pattern encompassing the spots and calculating the separation of the bright spot images from the light intensity pattern as a measure of the curvature of the surface.

Abstract: A leak detector is adapted to test the fluid-tight sealed integrity of a hermetically-sealed package having a movable wall portion. An enclosure surrounds a package-to-be-tested, and the space within the enclosure is evacuated by a vacuum pump. As the pressure acting on the outer surface of the package begins to fall,the gas within the package will be expand, pushing the movable wall portion outwardly. Such displacement of the movable wall portion is sensed and compared with a predetermined value. If desired, the reduced pressure within the enclosure may be held constant for as time interval, and the sensor used to determine whether the distended wall portion has relaxed.

Abstract: A combined hydrometer for measuring the specific gravity of a radiator fluid and a battery fluid including a fluid chamber having a transparent front window, a substantially horizontal axis in the chamber, an upper battery fluid scale having readings corresponding to the specific gravity of a battery fluid and a lower calibrated scale having readings corresponding to the freezing temperature of a radiator fluid. An indicator float and a second float are mounted eccentrically in the fluid chamber for pivotal movement about the axis, the indicator float having a relatively smaller specific gravity than the second float and being mounted on the axis between the second float and the front window. The indicator float normally rests with a tip end therof facing a lowermost point on the radiator fluid scale and the second float normally rests with a tip end thereof facing a lowermost point on the battery fluid scale.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing for leaks in flexible packages containing a product such as potato crisps and some air comprises three probing stations. Packages are transferred from station to station by suction cup heads carried on a reciprocable beam. Probes incorporating weights are applied by gravity at each probing station under control of a support plate and cause air to be squeezed out of packages which have substantial leaks. Probe position sensing equipment detects when probes have dropped down and uses this information as an indication of a leak. The specification also describes apparatus for transferring packages to the leak testing apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing for leaks in a flexible package containing loosely packaged product and some air includes a first set of gravitational probes at a first measuring station for applying a load to the package and obtaining a first measure of the thickness of the package under this load, a second set of gravitational probes at a second measuring station for applying a corresponding load to the package in a corresponding position and direction with respect to the package and obtaining a second measure of the thickness of the package under the second load and means for comparing the first and second measures of thickness and for indicating the presence of a leak when the second measure is substantially less than the first.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting a possible leak in a vacuum package, in which the vacuum package is received within a wrapping wall at least essentially consisting of a gas-tight, flexible wrapping foil adapted for substantial adjustment to the contours of the vacuum package under the influence of overpressure, so that the vacuum package is tightly enveloped by the wrapping wall. Overpressure is applied to the wrapping foil such that this adjustment to the contours of the vacuum package is effected without sealing any leak present, ensuring that the pressure exteriorly of the vacuum package remains higher than the pressure within said vacuum package. Hermetic sealing from the outside air is effected in the residual space remaining between the vacuum package and the wrapping wall during a predetermined detection period, the pressure being gauged in function of the time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing packages for leaks. Selected values of suction and positive pressure are supplied to a testing position, which may be a test head. A package to be tested is held in the testing position by the suction, and positive pressure is introduced into the package through a puncture, which may be made before or after the package is placed in position. Values of suction and positive pressure are chosen such that a package meeting leakage specifications will contain sufficient positive pressure to overcome the suction, causing the package to be ejected from the testing position. If the package does not meet specification, leakage will cause the suction to hold the package in position. Thus, a rapid and visible indication of package quality is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for the continuous, non-destructive testing for leaks in generally hermetically-sealed, flexible packages, which is adapted to rapidly detect leakages in vacuum from a plurality of packages contained within a closed case, to ascertain the location of the defective package or packages within the case and to automatically divert the case containing the defective package to a location other than that receiving cases containing all acceptable packages.

Abstract: A device for measuring the density of fluids comprises two float elements of unequal density distribution pivotally mounted on a common axis about which they rotate in opposite directions with change of density of the fluid in which they are immersed. The density is indicated by the position of an index carried by one element relative to a scale carried by the other element. Scale range is increased and scale linearity is improved by having the elements respond respectively differently to density changes in the upper and lower density ranges. Temperature compensation is effected by the choice of materials for the float elements relative to the thermal expansion characteristics of the fluid, and by the manner in which the relatively more dense and relatively less dense portions of each float element are mounted with respect to the axis.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for determining the proportion of ethylene glycol in an aqueous solution that is used to remove as well as prevent the accumulation of ice and snow on commercial aircraft, the apparatus being used in de-icing equipment of the type which has a self-propelled vehicle, a large capacity heater which heats water carried on the vehicle, a proportioning system for mixing the water and ethylene glycol and pumping means for pumping the solution containing the desired proportion of ethylene glycol under high pressure through a nozzle which is directed toward the aircraft. The apparatus can determine the percentage of ethylene glycol that is contained in the aqueous solution at any time during the operation of the de-icing equipment.

Abstract: A check is provided of the gas pressure in a closed container having in its bottom wall a snap-action diaphragm of a type which assumes its concave-inward configuration when there is a vacuum of at least a predetermined level in the container, and assumes its convex-outward configuration when the vacuum level in the container is zero or less than said predetermined level. A test stand applies to the exterior of the diaphragm a vacuum sufficient normally to assure that it will assume its convex outward configuration, and then releases the applied vacuum to permit the diaphragm to snap to its concave-inward configuration. A proximity sensor produces an electrical signal representing the position of the diaphragm, which signal is differentiated to produce a signal indicating the speed of inward motion of the diaphragm.

Abstract: Apparatus for discarding leaky packages from a row of filled sealed packages on a conveyor belt comprising means for exerting pressure on the packages while on the belt and means for removing packages from the belt which appear to be leaky when subjected to said pressure, wherein said means for exerting pressure comprises the conveyor belt and a member located above said belt that in cooperation exert pressure on a package on the belt, either one of said member or belt being movable with respect to the other and the smallest distance between said belt and said member being chosen so that only a tight package is clamped therebetween while a leaky package is not, and said means for removing the leaky packages comprises a nozzle that blows air agains the packages in the space between said belt and member, whereby unclamped leaky packages will be removed from the conveyor belt.

Abstract: An indicating device for a storage battery comprising: a bar-like body which is transparent, inserted through and held on the upper wall of the electrolytic vessel of a storage battery, has a pointed lower end and is immersed in the electrolyte in the storage battery; and an indicating member which is disposed in the electrolyte near the lower end of the bar-like body, rotatable around a horizontal axis, has its specific gravity correlated with that of the electrolyte and has its center of buoyancy deviated from the rotative axis thereof so that the indicating member is rotated as it sinks and floats according as the specific gravity of the electrolyte varies, the arrangement being such that when the indicating member is seen through the transparent bar-like body from above the storage battery, the indicating member, for example, selectively moves into and out of a visible range so that the manner of indication is changed according to the specific gravity of the electrolyte.

Abstract: Portable devices for measuring the density of liquids are described. In each of these, a floating element and a reference element are pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis, the floating element being in a casing containing the liquid and having a transparency through which the floating element can be viewed. The reference element may be either outside or inside the casing and is arranged so that the gravitational force, or combined gravitational and buoyant forces thereon, maintain it in stable equilibrium about the axis, and so in a fixed position in a vertical plane irrespectively of the position of the casing in that plane. In one example the floating element is marked with a scale and the reference element is an indicator arm also immersed in the liquid and balanced by an extension on the opposite side of the axis. In another example the floating element is an indicator arm and the reference element a pendulum member marked with a scale.