New Tension Meter Twice as Sensitive as Old One.--A new and improved Tension Meter has been recently brought out by the Saxl Instrument Company of Harvard, Massachusetts. In addition to instant trigger action and correct calibration under performance conditions, the new model is equipped with ball bearings throughout. This makes roller friction negligible. Special precision pulleys recessed in the trigger mechanism automatically guide the yarn into position so that the meter can be inserted blind and no yarn can get caught behind the rollers. No "wiggling-in" is necessary. Because yarn contraction is negligible, gentle insertion and release are assured.
Improvements consist of introducing a transparent flywheel through which the readings are taken. This important feature makes steady readings possible even on quickly traversing machinery such as quill winders. Sustained accuracy is obtained because the permanently calibrated spring is always at rest when not in use. The meter is dynamically calibrated under actual performance conditions. This is far more practical than static testing.
The new model has twice the sensitivity of the old 250-gram model, which is still being manufactured. The Saxl Tensiometer has a total capacity of 125 grams. Fifty grams are read from the black figures on the first revolution of the dial. This gives gram sensitivity for sensitive nylons and other fine yarn. The remaining 50 to 125 grams are read from the red figures on the second revolution. Therefore, without special adjustments the pointer can overtravel and continue to give precise readings even when the tension is above the 50-gram range.
Double the sensitivity, extended capacity, quick trigger insertion (even in limited spaces) and freedom from oscillations make this meter ideally suitable for quick tension measurements on all yarns including nylon and rayon and on machines such as warpers, winders, slashers and for winding elastic threads, checking shuttle tension, etc.
The SaM Tensiometer is also used for quick tension measurements on Radio Wire, etc. used for galvanometer coils, ammeter coils, and the handling of hair-thin wires (copper, tungsten, etc.) which are used in radio tubes, incandescent lamps, etc. Full information is available from the Saxl Instrument Company, Harvard, Massachusetts.
A "flying laboratory" to test early-warning radar equipment and procedures has been set up by the Navy aboard a modified Lockheed Constellation, in a move to extend the range of shipboard detection devices, limited by the horizon. Antennae for the plane's powerful radars are housed in two large radome humps midway along the top and bottom of the fuselage. Extra technicians will be aboard.
Propulsion of aircraft by nuclear energy was actively studied during 1949, and progress made in solving problems of materials, reactors, shielding, power cycles and airframe design configuration, according to Maj.