Abstract: Micro-machined accelerometer chips have a sensitive axis perpendicular to the principle surface of the device. In an application where the desired sensing direction is in the plane of a supporting printed circuit board, the accelerometer cannot be mounted directly on the printed circuit board and instead is mounted on a wall perpendicular to the printed circuit board. This requirement to wall-mount the sensor is eliminated by using an accelerometer chip packaged with a signal conditioning circuit in a multi layer ceramic chip carrier. Electrical connections are contained within the layers of the ceramic and terminate at a side surface of the chip carrier. Thus the accelerometer chip sits perpendicular to the printed circuit board and the ceramic chip carrier is attached directly thereto.

Abstract: A method and test chamber for leak testing a container with substantially flexible side wall wherein the container is introduced into a test cavity so that the flexible side wall of the container is spaced from at least first, relatively recessed portions of an inner adjacent wall of the test cavity with a gap being defined between at least the first, relatively recessed portions of the inner wall of the test cavity and the flexible side wall 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 side wall is supported from its exterior side within the test cavity on second, relatively raised portions of the adjacent inner wall of the test cavity so as to mechanically stabilize the flexible side wall with respect to the outward bending as a result of the pressure difference.

Abstract: In a tachometer assembly for attachment to an output shaft of a rotary machine, wherein the tachometer assembly includes a tachometer housing enclosing a sensor drum fixed to a tachometer shaft, the shaft extending from the tachometer housing and adapted for attachment to the output shaft of the rotary machine for rotation therewith, and a sensor pad located peripherally adjacent the sensor drum, an improvement which includes an internal wrench mechanism for locking the tachometer shaft to the tachometer housing for common rotation therewith so as to facilitate threaded engagement between the tachometer shaft and the output shaft, as well as for unlocking the tachometer shaft from the tachometer housing for rotation relative to the tachometer housing to thereby permit the tachometer shaft to rotate with the output shaft after the tachometer housing is secured to the rotary machine housing.

Abstract: A sensor element, such as an accelerometer, for sensing the position and/or the movements of a vehicle body is protected by a device comprising at least two protective casings. An inner casing encloses the sensor and protects the sensor against at least contamination. At least one outer casing encloses the inner casing and sensor and further protects the sensor against at least mechanical damage and shock. The at least one outer casing is a vehicle light casing, such as a headlight or tail light casing.

Abstract: A device for demonstrating and testing electronic meters for bicycles including a body portion having a slot, a rod mounted on the body portion, a plurality of seats mounted on the rod, a first magnet fitted on the body portion, a handwheel partially pivotally fitted in the slot of the body portion, a second magnet fitted on a the handwheel, and an electronic testing device disposed within the body portion and operatively connected with the seats, whereby the device can be used for demonstrating as well as testing electronic meters for bicycles.

Abstract: A mechanical acceleration sensor includes a weight, a latch lever, and a spring-loaded firing pin, which are movably supported in a casing. The latch lever is disengaged from the firing pin by inertial movement of the weight relative to the casing, thereby allowing the firing pin to perform a percussive firing action by the spring load. The weight is supported in the casing by a pair of first and second guide members for guiding the inertial movement of the weight. The first guide member is closely fitted in the weight, while the second guide member is loosely fitted in the weight. An error in parallelism between the first and second guide members is accommodated by the loose fitting of the second guide member. When sensing excessive acceleration, the weight effectively moves without interference with other members while only slightly rotating about the axis of the first guide member to absorb the error in parallelism.

Abstract: The confining and covering enclosure (10) comprises a heat-insulating wall (13, 14) designed to insulate thermally the outer surface (2a) of the vessel head (2). The heat-insulating wall (13, 14) is leaktight to the fluid coming from the vessel of the reactor in the case of leakage and comprises leaktight connection seals (15, 27) at the outer surface (2a) of the head and at the adaptors (6) serving to delimit a chamber (30) for confinement and for recovery of leakage gases.

Abstract: Disclosed is a particle velocity gauge for measuring long term (over one lisecond duration) particle velocities in solids which are subjected to high-powered sources, such as high-explosive detonations. The gauge consists of a protective canister, external flexible cable-protection system, and rigid internal strain-isolation system. The protective canister is disc-shaped and consists of a circular bottom section with central cavity, and a removable cover with o-ring seal. The strain-isolation system consists of a rigid mounting plate atop a TEFLON bearing, and is affixed to the bottom of the central cavity. A commercial accelerometer is mounted on the rigid mounting-plate to monitor the acceleration of the canister.

Abstract: A motorcycle speedometer assembly includes a casing, and a display face on the casing; a first rotary indicator at the display face and rotatable about a first axis, there being first speed indicating indicia on the display first face with which the indicator registers as it rotates about the axis; a first drive responsive to motorcycle forward speed and connected with the first indicator for rotating the indicator in proportion to motorcycle speed to register with corresponding first indicia; and a second indicator at the display face and rotatable about a second axis to indicate motorcycle engine RPM, the second axis offset from the first axis, there being second indicia on the display face with which the second indicator registers as it rotates about the second axis, the second indicia indicating tachometer increasing values of RPM; and a second drive responsive to motorcycle engine RPM and connected with the second indicator for rotating the second indicator in proportion to engine speed to register with

Abstract: A high frequency magnetic field exposure meter for use in an induction heat sealing operation for heat sealing metal foil elements in closures to containers to be closed by the closures. The meter has a magnetic field sensing coil, a rectifier to convert the a.c. output from the coil to a d.c. output, an integrating circuit to integrate the d.c. output over an exposure period to an h.f. magnetic field, and a display device to indicate the integrated exposure value generated by the integrating circuit. During operation, the meter generates a quantitative reading indicating exposure to the h.f. magnetic flux as an integral of the magnetic flux, which generates the induction heating currents, over the exposure period during the induction heat sealing operation, and the reading provides a useful measure of the induction heating generated in an induction heat sealable closure.

Abstract: An instrument for the measurement of vacuum within sealed packets 12, the packets 12 having a wall 14 that it can be deformed by the application of an external dynamic vacuum to an area thereof. The instrument has a detector head 18 for placement against the deformable wall 14 of the packet to apply the vacuum in a controlled manner to accomplish a limited deformation or lift of the wall 14, with this deformation or lift monitored by the application of light as via a bifurcated light pipe 20. Retro-reflected light through the light pipe is monitored with a photo detector 26. A change (e.g., a decrease) of retro-reflected light signals the wall movement such that the value of the dynamic vacuum applied through the head be to achieve this initiation of movement is equal to the vacuum within the packet 12. In a preferred embodiment a vacuum plate 44 is placed beneath the packet 12 to ensure that no deformation occurs on the reverse surface 16 of the packet.

Abstract: A post depressurization device (30) for providing an indication of the pressure that existed within a fluid filled pressure vessel (22) just prior to depressurization of the pressure vessel, having a housing (102) and a piston (130) for temporality sealing an open end of the housing and outwardly movable in response to a pressure differential not less then a predetermined level generated subsequent to the depressurization of the pressure vessel. The piston and the housing cooperating to define a pressure storage cavity (156). The housing including a valve (122) for permitting the fluid within the pressure vessel to enter the pressure cavity and stabilize at a level substantially equal to the pressure level within the pressure vessel and for inhibiting a rapid decrease in the pressure within the pressure cavity immediately subsequent to depressurization of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A semiconductor acceleration detecting device has an acceleration detecting beam which is cantilevered from lead pins rather than by a base member, thus attaining a direct connection between the lead pins and the acceleration detecting beam without any intermediate wiring. The number of parts is reduced by virtue of elimination of base member and the wires, so that the number of steps of the assembly process is also reduced.

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: A detection medium and method for use in detecting gross and fine leaks in a hermetically sealed package. In a preferred embodiment, the detection medium includes a detectable perfluorinated gas dissolved in a detectable perfluorinated liquid. The package is placed in a bombing chamber and then exposed to the detection medium under pressure introduce the detectable liquid and dissolved, detectable gas into the package through any gross leak openings and to introduce the detectable gas and some detectable liquid vapor into the package through any fine leak openings. The package is then removed from the detection medium and air dried to evaporate any detection medium attached to an exterior surface of the package. The package is placed in a test chamber which collects detectable gas and vapor of the detectable liquid escaping through the gross and fine leak openings. A measurement instrument detects whether a component of the detection medium has escaped from the sealed package as an indication of a leak.

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: An elevator speed and positioning device includes an elongated member and a rotating disk. The elongated member includes an apparatus for indicating position along the member and the disk includes an apparatus for communicating the indicating apparatus. A constant relationship exists between the elongated member and the disk such that relative positions between the two are repeatable. The relative motion between the elongated member and the disk may be quantified to determine the relative position of the elevator car.

Abstract: A method of verifying the integrity of the walls and seals of a sealed container is provided in which a low molecular weight gas is introduced into the interior of the container before the container is sealed. After sealing, the container either alone, or in batches with others, is placed into a chamber which is evacuated of gases to a pressure level below that interior of the container and is evacuated of the low molecular weight gas to a partial pressure below that which the gas has within the container. Subsequently the gas within the chamber is sensed to determine whether the rate of increase of the low molecular weight gas in the chamber exceeds a predetermined rate.

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 process and an apparatus for leak testing a package. The method includes placing a sheet-like and airtight wrapper around a part of the package liable to leakage, e.g. a closing element. Applying a higher pressure to the outside than to the inside of the wrapper for causing the wrapper to fit closely around the part of the package and for hermetically sealing the wrapper from a part of the package outside the part to be tested. Sealing the measuring space between the enveloped part of the package and the wrapper pressed against it from the surrounding space by applying a measuring pressure in the closed measuring space which is different from the pressure then prevailing in the package, and for measuring the change of pressure in the closed measuring space for a determined measuring time.

Abstract: Non-invasive, portable, modular testing apparatus for non-invasively testing timepieces for fluid integrity without damaging or dismantling the timepiece and without interrupting the timekeeping function or operation thereof, including a transparent tubular container member capable of providing a high pressure, fluid sealed environment for the timepiece, the container member being open at one end and provided with an enlarged, integral rim portion, the opposite integral end of the tubular container member including an enlarged integral rim portion equal in diameter to the rim portion of the open end providing a rigid, non rockable base for the container, a circular, rigid, transparent closure member for the container securing the closure member to the tubular container member, and a pressure applicator integral with the tubular container member, for automatically pressurizing the internal volume of the tubular container member.

Abstract: A monolithic quartz resonator accelerometer including a monolithic quartz sensing structure with a frame, a proof mass support structure within the frame, and a resonator structure interconnecting the frame and the support structure. Further included are a proof mass fixed to the support structure, and electrodes on the resonator structure for driving the resonator at a vibration frequency which varies as a function of the acceleration of the proof mass.

Abstract: A portable device for testing a pouch containing a flowable substance and manufactured from flexible film. The device includes two plates. One of the plates is moveable towards the other and one has a pressure sensor mounted flush with a surface which faces the pouch to be tested. The pouch is placed between the plates and they are moved together, pressing the pressure sensor against the pouch.

Abstract: To test a closed container having at least one flexible wall area in order to determine a leakage by an increasing of the inner volume of the container and a measuring of a correspondingly caused changed measured value, at least one outer wall area of the container is exposed to a medium having a pressure which is greater than a pressure produced by the increase of the volume of the container if such has no leakage. The increase of the volume can be made by a pneumatic or mechanical application of a force at a flexible wall area. The arrangement is specifically suitable when the wall of the container or its contents strive to self-seal a leakage spot in a wall area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for nondestructively testing sealed containers to proof test for seal leaks present in one or more container seals formed between mating parts of a container. The apparatus preferably includes a container rest or support assembly which holds a container being tested. The container support can advantageously include two corresponding testing head members which are movably mounted on a frame to clamp peripheral portions of the container to form a secondary seal outward of the primary seal which is being tested for leakage. The secondary seal creates a test chamber defined within marginal edge portions of the container which is adjacent the primary seal for applying a testing pressure thereto. Some of the preferred embodiments include a passage forming device for forming a testing fluid supply passage into the test chamber. The passage forming device can be an injection probe which forms an opening and injects a pressurized testing fluid into the test chamber.

Abstract: A machine for conditioning filled and sealed bags for testing, to assure that the bags are accurately tested without damaging the product contained in the bags, and for packaging the bags that have passed the test in cartons with the longitudinal axis of the bags arranged vertical.

Abstract: In an accelerometer supporting structure a housing is formed by a cylindrical portion and a flange, and a positioning part whose outer diameter is greater than that of the cylindrical portion and whose length is shorter than the length of the cylindrical portion in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion, is formed in the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion in contiguity to the flange. The inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical sensor part are fixed to each other by a fixing ring disposed therebetween at an axial distance from the flange. The sensor supporting structure is adapted to be mounted on a mount with the cylindrical portion received in a circular hole of the mount and the flange resting on the mount about the marginal edge of the circular hole and fixed to the mount.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for leak-testing a filled and closed flexible package, in which the package is placed on a vertically movable support member and is compressed between the support member and a pressure member bearing on the top of the package as a result of relative movement of these members towards each other. The change in the pressure is measured for a fixed measuring time and from this the presence or absence of a leak is determined.The support member supports the package, substantially completely filled with a liquid product, by means of springs. The package is compressed by lowering the pressure member onto the package, the support member thereby being pressed downwards against the spring force acting on the support member.For a fixed measuring time, the change in the spring force is measured for determining possible leakage of liquid from the compressed package.

Abstract: A method of making a storage tank comprises forming a cylindrical-shaped inner tank with support ribs and forming an outer wall comprised of a series of sections which are at least partially separated from the inner tank's walls between each set of support ribs. Each outer wall section is bonded to the top areas of the walls of the support ribs. The inner and outer walls of the system are both strengthened by the dual side wall support ribs. Secondary containment is provided by the outer wall. A monitored storage tank system is provided by the use of a leak detection means to monitor the closed space defined by the rib interiors, the outer wall and the inner tank wall.

Abstract: An instrument for the measurement of vacuum within sealed packets 12, the packets 12 having a wall 14 sufficiently thin that it can be deformed by the application of an external vacuum to small area thereof. The instrument has a detector head 18 for placement against the deformable wall 14 of the packet to apply the vacuum in a controlled manner to accomplish a limited deformation or lift of the wall 14, with this deformation or lift monitored by the application of light as via a bifurcated light pipe 20. Retro-reflected light through the light pipe is monitored with a photo detector 26. An abrupt change (e.g., a decrease) of retro-reflected light signals the wall movement such that the value of the vacuum applied through the head 18 to achieve this initiation of movement is equal to the vacuum Within the packet 12. In a preferred embodiment a vacuum reference plate 44 is placed beneath the packet 12 to ensure that no deformation occurs on the reverse surface 16 of the packet.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the waterproofness of a casing having divided casing elements which are connected to each other at opposite end surfaces thereof, includes a dummy casing made from liquid rubber material which has been cured, after a connecting end surface of one of the divided casing elements has been inserted therein, to form a recessed groove corresponding to the connecting end surface. A connecting end surface of one of the divided casing elements is then depressed against the recessed groove of the dummy casing to form a sealed assembly. The waterproofness of the casing can then be determined by determining the waterproofness of the assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for leak testing a hollow body wherein the hollow body is placed in a test chamber. The hollow body is exposed to one of a positive or negative differential pressure between an internal pressure of the hollow body and a pressure in the test chamber. A pressure prevailing in the test chamber is tapped off from the test chamber at two points in time, with a signal being generated of a pressure differential between the values of the prevailing pressure in the test chamber at the two points of time. The tightness or change in volume of the hollow body is determined in dependence upon the generated pressure differential signal.

Abstract: The present invention features a vibration attenuation assembly designed for the protection of single axis instruments such as accelerometers. The assembly includes an inner cylinder housing one or more single axis accelerometers co-aligned with a principle axis of the cylinder. The inner cylinder is suspended by three or more equally spaced springs at each end. The springs also function as electrical conductors for transmitting power and signals to the accelerometer. The inner cylinder is longitudinally shiftable within the outer cylinder and a main fluid cavity exists between the exterior surface of the inner cylinder and the inner surface of the outer cylinder. A rigid outer cap is provided at both ends of the outer cylinder and a rigid inner cap is provided at both ends of the inner cylinder.

Abstract: A microaccelerometer package is provided for use in on-board automotive safety control and navigational systems. The microaccelerometer package is constructed so as to minimize the influence of extraneous mechanical stress and vibrational resonance on the micromachined accelerometer. The microaccelerometer package includes a rigid housing in which there is a cavity for receiving the micromachined accelerometer unit and the signal-processing circuitry. The lower surface of the cavity is interrupted by a recess projecting below the plane of the lower surface. The micromachined accelerometer unit is secured within the recess so as to be below the plane of the lower surface. The signal-processing circuitry is supported by a substrate which is secured to the lower surface of the cavity.

Abstract: An accelerometer device particularly adapted for use in automotive safety air bag applications comprises an electrically insulating substrate having electrically conducting circuit paths, signal conditioning circuit components, and an accelerometer unit mounted thereon, the substrate being fixed in position on three pins within a housing. The accelerometer comprises a silicon mass movable in a silicon body relative to an integral silicon support to provide strain in the silicon body in response to acceleration and has piezoresistive sensors formed in the silicon body to be responsive to that strain to provide an electrical signal corresponding to the acceleration.

Abstract: A method of determining the rate of air leakage from or into a containment is described. The internal pressure of the containment is maintained at a positive or negative value with reference to ambient air pressure and the air mass changes are continuously monitored through measurements of pressure, temperature, relative humidity and free volume. Air leakage is measured through a mass balance equation and a regression analysis carried out to yield constants which characterize the various features of the leakage flow and give an indication of the accuracy of the results.

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: The amount of extraneous gas within a hermetic sealed package, such as water vapor, is measured by measuring the total gas pressure within the package. This gas pressure is compared to a correlation made of expected total pressure within a package to deviations to that total pressure to determine the amount of extraneous gas. The correlation itself is derived statistically by comparing samples of actual total pressure to expected total pressure. These samples are then used to statistically produce the above correlation which is then used in actual testing.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for detecting leaks in sealed packages. The apparatus and method are particularly well-suited for an on-line system wherein each package filled and sealed on a commercial packaging line is inspected for possible leaks or seal defects. A force transducer arrangement is used, and the package is maintained at substantially constant volume while positive wall pressure over time is monitored. Diagnostic properties can be included whereby it is possible to precisely detect exactly which compartment of a multiple-compartment package and exactly which package station, has an excessive incidence of defects.

Abstract: A vibration monitoring system operates down-hole in the bottom hole assembly above the drill bit. This system includes four spaced accelerometers which measure and differentiate between lateral, longitudinal and torsional drillstring vibrations. Three of the four accelerometers are in a cooperative spaced arrangement and measure tangential acceleration forces on the outer diameter of the drillstring for determining and measuring both lateral and torsional vibrations. The fourth accelerometer measures longitudinal vibration. Two embodiments are disclosed for arranging the three accelerometers which measure lateral and torsional vibration. In a first embodiment, the accelerometers are equi-spaced 120 degrees apart from one another. In a second embodiment, the three accelerometers are spaced 30 degrees apart from one another within a 60 degree arc. In both embodiments, all four accelerometers are positioned within the annular wall of a drill collar segment.

Abstract: The mounting system of the present invention is adapted to support a precision transducer (14) in spaced alignment with a supporting case (12). The mounting system comprises a plurality of mounting elements (30), each mounting element having one end (34), an opposite end (32) and a resilient intermediate portion (36). One end is adapted to be connected to the transducer, and the opposite end is adapted to be connected to the case. Adjacent mounting elements are joined to one another by bridge sections (38) to form a continuous mounting ring (16) and to define a plurality of gaps (56). At least the end connected to the transducer and bridge sections is composed of a substance that has a coefficient of thermal expansion approximately equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the transducer. Each intermediate portion is configured to provide a low resistance to relative movement between the transducer and case in a radial direction, and a high resistance to relative movement in other directions.

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 method of testing for and detecting defective liners (12) enclosed within a carton (14) of a double package is disclosed utilizing an apparatus (10) including a pressure plate (16) which rests upon the liner (12), with gravity acting on the pressure plate (16) placing pressure on the liner (12). The extent that the liner (12) deflects under the pressure of the pressure plate (16) can be detected such as by the use of a magnetic sensor (72), with the liner (12) deflecting a greater extent when the liners (12) are improperly sealed allowing escape of the trapped air from the liner (12). In the preferred form, the pressure plate (16) is slideably mounted to a carriage (18) which is reciprocated between a first, lower position and a second, upper position by a crank arm assembly (32). In the first, lower position, the carriage (18) is adjacent to the double package with the pressure plate (16) extending through the open top of the carton (14) and resting upon the liner (12).

Abstract: Traction apparatus for driving a vehicle and accurately sensing the distance traveled, in which a drive mechanism is encircled by a separate ring-shaped encoder wheel. The encoder wheel, which is part of a travel-sensing mechanism, nests annularly with the drive mechanism so that the width of the combination is minimized. The travel-sensing mechanism can be assembled to the vehicle without disturbing the drive mechanism. There is enough radial clearance in the toroidal encoder wheel to permit the drive mechanism to move up and down within the encoder wheel. The encoder wheel has approximately the same outside diameter as the drive wheel, so certain common-mode measurement errors cancel. The encoder wheel and the drive wheel are approximately concentric and closely spaced laterally to minimize measurement errors that would otherwise occur upon turning of the vehicle.

Abstract: A closed container is placed in a test chamber for the purpose of testing the container's tightness. A pre-chamber is brought to a desired pressure, then connected with the test chamber. The pressure in the test chamber is stored at a certain point in time on the input side of a differential pressure sensor and then the plot of the test chamber pressure is compared with the reference pressure thus formed. Any pressure compensation which occurs if leaks are present in the hollow body is recorded as an indication of such leakage.

Abstract: A conventional centrifugal forcemeter having a centrifugally leadwardly extendable spindle is trailwardly provided with a fixture having an underlying trough portion abuttable against the external contour of a baseball bat, a golfclub, or other selectable athletic club. Flanking the fixture underlying trough are two plurally-tabbed rows. A flexible girthing band, preferably of annular shape and of elastic material, engages at least one ear-like tab of each fixture row and tightly girds the athletic club to maintain the fixtured forcemeter in removably attached, secure and operable condition to the selected athletic club.

Abstract: A leak detecting method for vessels in which a gas of a given pressure is mixed with sulfur hexafluoride of a given partial pressure and the mixture is introduced into a vessel, and a gas in the vicinity of an outer peripheral surface of the vessel is sucked by a gas sucking mechanism.According to one form of the invention, the sucked air is introduced into an absorption cell and a P(16)-line laser light of a carbon dioxide gas laser is introduced into the absorption cell. Then, the presence or absence of absorption of the P(16)-line laser light within the absorption cell is detected in accordance with a change in the transmitted light intensity of the P(16)-line laser light and the presence or absence of a leak in the pressure vessel is discriminated in accordance with a result of the detection.

Abstract: Methods and systems for testing the seals of container lids to the top portion of container bodies are provided. Testing the integrity of the seal is achieved by injecting fluid under pressure under the lid portion of the container and detecting if the lid bulges outwardly with respect to its at-rest position prior to injecting fluid. A container adapted to having the seal tested for leakage is also provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for determining the proper sealing of a hermetically sealed package. The method consists of the steps of providing a pressure source for effecting a movement of air mass, providing an enclosable vacuum chamber suitable for accommodating a hermetically sealed package therein being enclosable in sealing tight engagement. An air flow path is provided from the vacuum chamber to the pressure source, the air flow path having a valve interposed to isolate the vacuum chamber from the pressure source. The air flow path is provided with a mass flow transducer and a pressure differential measuring device. A hermetically sealed package is placed in the vacuum chamber and by activating the isolating valve to connect the vacuum chamber to the source of pressure, a flow of gas is effected through the air flow path activating the pressure differential measuring device to determine the rate of mass flow of gas through the mass flow transducer as a function of time.